After becoming the first special needs color guard to take part in the in the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in 2006, the First Special Needs Color Guard of America went back this year to New York, wowing the audience another time.
There is never a dry eye in the audience whenever the group performs, said Ellen Kleinert-Cohn, director of the group. “It was an amazing performance. The acceptance and applause were thunderous. We have got so many positive e-mails after the performance. The performers brought tears to the eyes of nearly everyone out there.”
The First Special Needs Color Guard of America, formerly called Florida Special Needs Color Guard, is a 9-year-old program of the Florida Special Arts Center in Sunrise. The group comprises members from Coral Springs, Tamarac, Sunrise, Parkland and Weston. The participants, between 13 and 41, with an average age of 21, have disabilities ranging from Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and autism.
“We don’t compete. These kids are just trying to be the best they can be,” said Kleinert-Cohn. “We are America's first special needs color guard and dance program. Our mission is to bridge the gap between the general and special populations. We want to show the world that individuals with developmental disabilities are talented, unique and productive members of our society. We also want to give hope to parents of children newly diagnosed with disabilities.”
Visit www.flsac.org or e-mail flspecialneedscolorguard@yahoo.com.