Parents of special-needs adult children organize social events

Inspired by the classic children’s story “Alice in Wonderland,” 20 members of the Spokane Valley Heroes Club recently celebrated each other’s unbirthday.

The celebration’s name was the only resemblance this unbirthday party had with the no-nonsense world of Wonderland. Neither the Mad Hatter nor March Hare made an appearance. Instead cake, presents and balloons fueled the April 18 festivities in the Valley YMCA’s party room.

“We didn’t know how to celebrate all the birthdays,” Heroes founder Greta Boyer said, explaining the premise for the party. “This way we could celebrate everyone’s at one time.”

Heroes is a parent-organized group for special-needs adults. Its vision is to “bring young adults with disabilities into a group of their peers whereby they are accepted, respected and given a chance to be themselves.”

The unbirthday party is one of many events organized by Heroes parents over the course of the year.

“These kids are people too,” Boyer said. “They need a safe place to go be with their peers. They really have a good time together.”

In a wheelchair and unable to speak without the aid of her Vanguard, an augmentative communication device, Andrea Swenson lights up when asked about the club.

“Andrea loves doing it,” said Marsha Swenson, her mother. “It’s a lot of fun.”

Before the group’s formation, a core group of parents planned social activities together when their children were younger. Over the years, the parents grew closer as their children competed in the Special Olympics.

Ten years ago, five members formed a bowling team. The team grew to over 30 members and still competes each fall. As a small group of these children became adults, four of the mothers realized there was nothing else in the Valley for them to do after leaving the school system. Greta Boyer, Rondy Alexander, Linda Berg and Vicki Moore formed Heroes two years ago to provide a social outlet for their children.

“When they are out of high school, there is nothing for them to do,” Boyer said. “It is much needed in the Valley for kids with special needs. They need social just as you and I need social.”

“You can’t sit back and say I hope someone starts a club for my kids,” parent Sharon Naccarato said. “You have to take the initiative and just get it done.”

Parents began by holding events around special holidays, such as Christmas and Valentine’s Day. The success of these events prompted the group to plan more activities.

After the first year, parents formed a board of directors to organize a monthly Friday night gathering. These events include movie and pizza nights, formal dances, and bingo parties.

“It’s their night,” Boyer said of the Heroes members. “They look forward to it every month.”

Parent involvement is mandatory as coordinating monthly activities takes hard work. For example, dances resemble school proms, with formal attire, disco balls, a deejay and professional photos.

“Our kids love to dress up and come to dances,” Alexander said. “One young man even came in a tuxedo.”

The board scrutinizes the details of each planned event to make sure all members can participate.

“We have to think about every disability,” Boyer said. “Something that is simple to us, may not be for them, but we always work it out.”

True to its vision, the club provides a social outlet for their children. However, the parents gain something equally as important.

“Friendship with people who have something in common,” Naccarato said. “…And that runs real deep. We can all share each others joys and frustrations.”

“The support is invaluable,” Alexander said. “We are very fortunate to have each other.”