The North Star Can Do! Workshops story began thirty-three nine years ago when I was an infant. With a respiratory disability and other severe health problems as a baby and throughout my childhood, doing things "like everyone else" and "being" like everyone else wasn't an option for me. But as I grew up, instead of focusing on what I couldn't do, I learned to focus on what I could do. This simple philosophy helped me see there are many possibilities in the world, many options, and many dreams. Although I continue to deal with a respiratory disability, I'm a very happy person and love my life.

About fifteen years ago I started to focus on this message of appreciating one’s unique abilities and I began doing "ability focused" disability work with kids in Maine elementary classrooms. I was convinced that this way of thinking could help all kids recognize who they are as unique individuals, and it could help them appreciate others too.

Then one day about ten years ago I met Peter H Reynolds and read his book The North Star. I was amazed by the strong connection I felt with Peter's story. It was a beautiful fable about living life our own way, despite what others think or how others live their lives.

I saw a clear parallel between The North Star's message and my own "can do" message. I could see how The North Star could complement, support, and enhance my work with kids. By reading the book, children gain a deep understanding and appreciation of individual differences and abilities. It has become an invaluable tool that allows children to believe in themselves, their dreams, as well as the dreams of other's.

I have incorporated The North Star and its message into my disABILITY awareness work.... and the result is the North Star Can Do! Workshops. The North Star Can Do! Workshops are about celebrating individual differences and the abilities we all have, and the belief that if we live our lives the way that is best for each of us, then "anything is possible".

Maribeth Bush, M.S.
Ability Awareness Educator and School Counselor

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