News of Sudden Deaths within our WS Community
Message from the Executive Director
Finding Answers, Changing Futures…Our Community Makes All the Difference
Do you remember when your loved one with Williams syndrome was first diagnosed? Whether the diagnosis was recent, or many years ago, I’m sure the details are still as sharp as they were that day. Regardless of the circumstances leading to the diagnosis or the age of our loved one – that moment is forever etched in our minds…it is the moment when our vision of the future became clouded with a new uncertainty – the moment when there were very few answers and myriad new questions.
31 Years of the ADA: Ever-expanding efforts to eliminate discrimination and foster inclusion
Thirty-one years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. The ADA was designed to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities – including in education, transportation, and employment. People first started noticing the effects of the law with physical changes – curb cuts, handicap ramps on busses, accessible buildings, etc. In the years since, much more has been done to promote inclusion.
Looking Forward
Following a year like 2020, and thinking about all that happened, I am thrilled that the words that come to mind as I think specifically about the WSA are: grateful, humbled, appreciative, and so importantly, proud and excited. To have only positive thoughts for the future following a year that seemed destined to provide only negatives is amazing.
A Personal Thank You from Terry Monkaba
When the country was first shutting down and we were forced to cancel the walks, and then the convention and then the camps, it was difficult to imagine how we could ever meet our programming goals or operations budget for 2020. In a matter of weeks, we lost the source (awareness walks and events) of more than 80% of our program funding, as well as our primary programs for individuals with Williams syndrome and their families. Only one thing was certain: we could not and would not simply sit back and wait to see what happened.
Maintaining a Resourceful and Supportive Community
Dear Friends,
I hope this message finds you and your loved ones healthy and able to find moments of enjoyment despite social distancing, interrupted work schedules, and new family demands. As spring emerges and we're able to celebrate the new season, I hope these moments might even bring a sense of rejuvenation.
At the WSA, we are also focused on rejuvenation-the process of making something fresh or new again.
Convention and Events Decisions
Dear families and friends,
As I sat down to write this update, I was reminded that the statement "what a difference a day makes" has never meant more than it has each day over the past several weeks - not just for me and you, but for our children, and for everyone worldwide.
Awareness - Simply Life-Changing!
The WSA is proud to be celebrating 35 years of support to individuals with Williams syndrome. When a handful of families first applied for nonprofit status for the Williams Syndrome Association back in 1983, no one really knew how big the WSA might become, or the range of support that the organization could, and would, provide to families. They only knew they wanted to help in every way possible.
Happy New Year!
December 31, 2018 marked the end of our official 35th year – a milestone that makes us extremely proud. As we begin the next 35 years, I want to personally thank each one of you for making our association so vibrant and helping us grow in so many ways.
Dr. Ursula Bellugi: Special Friend to the WSA, Individuals with Williams Syndrome, and the Research Community
After nearly forty-eight years at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Dr. Ursula Bellugi has retired. The closing of the Laboratory for Cognitive Neuroscience last month has signaled the end of an era.