Students, community members, and families came together on Nov. 22 at Shine Bright, an event meant for “empowering children with special needs,” according to Michael De Guzman, the man behind Shine Bright. Bouncy castles, shave ice, cotton candy, face-paint, and pizza were all provided free of charge, thanks to a partnership with Enactus and Rotaract Club and donations from the ASL Club, the Kahawaii family, and Angel’s Ice Cream.When De Guzman, a senior in social work from Switzerland, came to Oahu, he “saw there were not special needs activities on this side of the island.” He started hosting weekly activities for special needs children on his own to help them “develop their talents and explore their passions, and just to have a place for them to go.”He came to Enactus and proposed it host a large event full of activities tailored to children with special needs. “Everyone has a talent and gift. Our motto is ‘fitting in by standing out;’ fitting in by being themselves,” said De Guzman. He went on to explain people incorrectly think individuals with special needs, like Down syndrome, can only do certain jobs or certain activities and are limited by their condition. The motto means they can be valuable members of a community without trying to be someone they are not.Maureen and John McComas, parents of two girls with Down syndrome, came from town to join the activities. “They should have it again,” said Maureen. What made it a good event, according to Maureen, was the “general feeling of support. Everyone is happy and it’s good to see the kids running around having fun.” John said he was especially glad that it was on a university campus. “Getting co-eds mixing with special needs, and maybe opening their eyes. Maybe they will get involved with special needs programs because of this,” he said. Come January, a new special needs after-school curriculum will be in local elementary schools, according to Enactus member and the creator of the curriculum, Hanna Davis. Davis, a freshman in biology from Arkansas, said “The event was meant to be a kick-off starter for a winter semester special needs curriculum. It’ll be a place for special needs kids to go after school to develop their talents and passions, develop gross motor skills and express creativity. Michael wanted the curriculum to mesh with Shine Bright.” She made the curriculum after researching and talking to special needs teachers.Ann Sullivan, president of the Down Syndrome ‘Ohana of Hawaii (DSO), came with her family and down-syndrome daughter to the event, explaining their services at a booth. “We let them know they have a support network. There is a real need for connection and forming a relationship they can call upon to ask questions.” Sullivan explained that when a child is first diagnosed with Down syndrome, “It’s a lot of unknown territory we try to provide emotional support”DSO is a nonprofit support group, currently beneath another non-profit called Keiko Ka ‘Aina, according to Sullivan. Sullivan said they reassure parents, saying, “Our babies are special and bigger blessings than you’ll ever know. Your life is going to be good and your life is going to be blessed.”
Writer: Samone Isom ~ Multimedia Journalist
