KATIE MASKEY … Author Katie Maskey came in to read the first book in the Ferdinand with the Extra Toes series, expressing that she measures her success by how many people use her book to connect with their differently abled child.
By: Anna Wozniak
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
anna@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Library helped to endorse that “all means all,” by hosting a Challenging the Stigma event last week.
Part of challenging the stigma means changing the public’s perception of what it means to be mentally ill or disabled, and “all means all” further endorses that inclusivity includes those of all ability levels.
There to promote the idea that being different isn’t bad was author Katie Maskey, who wrote the Ferdinand with the Extra Toes series.
The books follow Ferdinand, a black polydactyl cat, whose extra toes, and positive mindset help children of different ability levels relate to the world around them.
Patrolman Brian Robinson and K9 Bane with the Bryan Police Department came in as well and gave a demonstration of Bane’s abilities.
The Special Olympics in Australia were presented, with attendees sharing how well the trip went. There were cookies and cake, punch, and water for everyone to enjoy while they meandered around the interactive artists and therapy bunny named Bugsy.
The event was a success, and everyone present could tell how much work went into the inclusivity event, as well as how much passion the teams that keep the events going on in the background have for the cause of inclusivity of those with disabilities.
