Neurodevelopment
Resource Center
for Children & Youth with Disabilities
Voyage ATL
May 18, 2022
Local Stories
Today we’d like to introduce you to Taneisha Brown.
Hi Taneisha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2017, my husband and I discovered through a butterfly net and sight word cards, our son Jayden learns and plays in his own way! Because of this, Learn and Play My Way, Inc. was born.
Here at Learn and Play My Way, Inc. we know that sometimes all it takes to change the world is a little support. Since our discovery, we were determined to strengthen Jayden’s academic learning with sensory and educational activities that would allow him to be engaged, increase his communication, and assist him with community integration.
Learn and Play My Way, Inc. initial initiatives were to provide a safe forum where parents, caregivers, teachers, and therapists could share strategies, tips, techniques, and knowledge to assist children who learn in a nontraditional way academically, socially, and emotionally. We had no idea how impactful Learn and Play My Way, Inc. could be through nonprofit efforts. The core of our efforts is providing sensory, educational, and community integration activities to children who are in need of these programs within an academic, home, and community setting. We are driven by the interests and needs of our Special Needs Community, and we are dedicated to enhancing academic learning, imaginative and social play, and community growth through sensory, educational, and community activities. We are a great resource, offering opportunities for special kids to engage with each other, their families, school, and most importantly in their communities. Through all of our endeavors we hope to display the conviction behind our beliefs which are supporting and empowering unique learners that will enable them to learn, play, and grow – in their own way!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My husband and I were sitting on this idea since 2017. We didn’t pursue going full fledge with the organization simply because as I have expressed, autism is not an easy road – for our son – and for us. There’s a unique set of hurdles that come with parenting a child with a disability. After I completed graduate school, I had to put my career goals on hold. Eventually, I realized I had to shift my career plans. It was inevitable that I would pursue a career working with disabled children. I am still struggling with balancing the new organization with family life. We have a toddler and Jayden is 11 years old which is a huge age gap. Their interests are in totally different directions – naturally so. While on the other hand, the organization demands effective planning that will ensure children receive the adequate sensory, educational, and community integration activities within our community. All in all, challenges and struggles are expected in life. Giving up is not an option.
As you know, we’re big fans of Learn and Play My Way, Inc. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are committed to providing all children with sensory, educational, and community integration activities that support and promote learning, choice, and independence. Whether you are looking for sensory, educational, and community integration special needs activities for your child, client or student, you can find it all here at Learn and Play My Way, Inc. Our mission is to promote and encourage all children to develop and grow academically, socially, and emotionally through sensory, educational, and community integration activities.
Our support will help kids…
Learn. Play. Grow.
Our vision at Learn and Play My Way, Inc. is to become a leader in learning through sensory, educational, and community integration activities for unique learners. We aim to provide programs and activities that are geared towards their special needs and challenges but at the same time fun, entertaining and environmentally friendly. Our vision is to provide parents, caregivers, and teachers with sensory and educational programs that will support and empower unique learners within a school setting, private therapy centers, at home, and in their communities. We believe the best sensory, educational, and community integration activities are driven by learning, playing, and growth. We aim to support this need.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I am still in the early stages of my organization blossoming and still have a very long way to go. I would advise others who are interested in starting a nonprofit to ensure they hire an attorney who specializes in nonprofits as well as a CPA who specifically works with nonprofits. The paperwork process (501c3) is NOT something you can take on alone as it is a very complex process that involves the IRS. In addition, ensure that the individuals you want working in your organization believe in you and believe in the cause. Lastly, surround yourself with a support system that aligns with who you are as a person, your beliefs and supports that will ultimately help you with achieving your goals.
Contact Info:
Email: learnandplaymyway@gmail.com
Website: learnandplaymyway.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learnandplaymyway/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/learnnplaymyway