Many teens don’t know what it feels like to come to school and have anybody they can relate to, or just have a conversation with. Kids who are born with disabilities have to face that fear everyday, but thanks to Circle of Friends, this fear so no longer an obstacle.

 Circle of Friends is a social skills program for teens and young adults with disabilities that changes lives through understanding, acceptance, friendship, and inclusion. It brings them to a place where they feel as like, they are just like everyone else, and they can have intellectual conversation with anybody.

 “It has been a wonderful experience just watching how the students come together, it makes you realize that even though you might have a special need, they are like everyone else, they all learn from each other,” says Johnaa Battle, the Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) for Circle of Friends.

 “It’s good because I help kids that are less fortunate than me, it’s a good experience for anybody,” stated 11th grade Arts student, Kerroniann Wedderburn.

 Circle of Friends go on various field trips, such as to the 
Children’s Museum, and participate in many activities on campus. “Circle Of Friends is good, I play with my friends, and take field trips,” replied junior Eddie Guerrero.

Students with special needs want to feel like every other teen, they want to experience love, they want to know what it’s like to have a long conversation on the phone, what teenage problems feel like, they basically just want to feel free to be themselves. Circle of Friends makes this all possible.

 Circle of Friends meets every Wednesday at lunch and its still available for anyone who wants to participate. See Mrs. Kramer in the Center of Science and Engineering to join. You can log onto circleofriends.org to learn more of what this experience is all about.