Ability Station

Charlie in the wheat fulfilling his sensory needs

I'm pretty sure Charles Dickens was the parent of a disabled child.

All you need to do is read the first line of "Tale of Two Cities" to know that he was talking about a child with a disability - "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." Now, I say that as I'm lying in bed, exhausted after spending half the night cleaning up a gallon of cooking oil that my son just emptied in our pantry. You love them so much, but sometimes you just don't want them around.

It's difficult to really, truly understand what it takes to raise a special needs child until you've been down that road. As we've walked that road with our son Charlie, we've received amazing support and help from others who've been there, and in turn, we've committed to help those who will come after us.

As we've battled, politicked, and struggled to help our son, we've learned that not all is as it should be. It seems backwards that it was harder for a family, like us, who already had more than their share of challenges, to find specialized toys and products for their special needs child than for any other child. It should be easier, right?

There's just a one letter difference between Autistic and Artistic.

We're passionate about trying to make the road easier and better for those who will follow. The road we walk is difficult indeed, and if we can make the journey a little bit easier, then we'll have accomplished our goal.

To all of you, from the folks at Ability Station who understand, keep up the good work. We love these little buggers.

Matt & Steff

Charlie's Dad and Mom