It's Ok to Be Different

 All Aboard! (a story of inclusion)



A friend and colleague told me a wonderful story about a celebration for her cousin Michael's 21st birthday. Michael has a pervasive developmental disorder and a fascination with trains. The family contacted Amtrak and arranged to have a club car just for family and friends and to travel together from New Jersey to Baltimore, MD. Michael was thrilled with the whole experience which included special gifts of a conductor's hat and tie and hand-made village houses to go with his own train set. A highlight was a special cake made like the engine, log car and coal car with wheels made of Oreo cookies.


Michael's family went out of their way to give him something he would never forget and something perhaps others would not consider because he is "different." They embraced what makes him unique and highlighted his strengths. Kudos to the family and to Amtrak for giving Michael such a special 21st birthday.