BURLINGAME, Calif.,
March 24, 2017
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Actor Colin Farrell was the
featured guest at Gatepath's annual The Power of
Possibilities event. As a parent of a child with special needs,
Farrell has a personal connection to Gatepath's mission of creating
a world where people of all abilities are fully accepted, respected
and included. The accomplished Irish-born actor, who has a
13-year-old son diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, shared his
insights and journey as a parent in an open and heartfelt
conversation moderated by Bay Area journalist Diane Dwyer.
"I learned early on that you can't let others put limitations on
your child," Farrell said. "Your child will decide what his or her
limitations will be." Farrell went on to recount the powerful story
of how he was told his son would probably never walk. "Think about
how important a child's first steps are in their development. When
my son took his first steps after we heard he would never walk, it
was an important lesson for us to never let others put limits on
his abilities."
When discussing his wishes for his son and others with special
needs, Farrell spoke of the importance of inclusive schools and
organizations – such as Gatepath – that allow people of all
abilities to be bold, compassionate individuals.
The Power of Possibilities brings like-minded people
together, raising awareness for children, youth, and adults with
special needs and developmental disabilities. "It shines a light on
how our differences are beautiful and reminds us to see with our
hearts in addition to our eyes," said Gatepath CEO Bryan Neider.
"This is an event for everyone who wants to create a community
that is healthy, friendly, thriving, and inclusive," said Neider.
"It's for those who want to join Gatepath in celebrating the
accomplishments of those we serve who have overcome obstacles to
achieve meaningful employment, providing a path to independence and
fulfilling their dreams."
In addition to the discussion with Farrell, Gatepath announced
the recipient of this year's Neal Poppin Award, which honors an
individual whose determination, spirit, and enthusiasm transcends
any limitations he or she has faced. This year's award recipient,
Fernando Arce, was born nearly three
months premature. He weighed less than two pounds, was in the
hospital for several months after his birth, and was not expected
to live.
Over time, Fernando overcame remarkable odds of being both blind
and profoundly hearing impaired, and exceeded expectations in his
work and personal endeavors. He is now employed at the The Magnolia
of Millbrae, a retirement community, where his gentle nature
and warm spirit are an inspiration and lesson for all.
In a video tribute to Fernando, Vincent
Muzzi, owner of The Magnolia of Millbrae, spoke about how the interaction
between Fernando and other staff members helps everyone benefit
from working in an inclusive environment that embraces differences,
and enriching all. "When hiring someone with a disability, it's not
just the employee with the disability who gains an advantage in the
workplace," said Muzzi. "It's a working relationship that benefits
everyone involved; it's beyond the paycheck."
Muzzi also commented on the advantages that businesses can gain
by following inclusive hiring practices. "It's important to provide
opportunities for Fernando and others with special needs and
disabilities," said Muzzi, "but it's also important to note that
businesses can derive a great benefit from this type of hiring
practice. I think of it as a win-win."
"Employers like The Magnolia of Millbrae who partner with Gatepath are not
only providing meaningful employment," Neider added, "but they are
also helping create opportunities for independence and building
self-confidence for future success in all phases of their
life."
The Power of Possibilities was sponsored by Bailard,
Peggy Bort Jones, Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, Gatepath
Auxiliary, GoPro, Sutter Health Mills-Peninsula Health Services,
Boston Private Bank, Electronic Arts, Linda
and Richard Leao, Carole Middleton Foundation, Norman S.
Wright Mechanical Equipment, Bon Appétit Management Company, Jones
Lang LaSalle Incorporated, San Francisco Airport Marriott
Waterfront, Wells Fargo, Kathryn
and Richard Breaux, CBRE,
Elaine and George Cohen,
Diane Christensen Mason and
Charles H. Mason Jr., D'Elia
Construction Inc., Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Barbara and Paul Regan, and Lilli Rey.
"There's no greater joy than watching individuals with special
needs and disabilities flourish and attain their dreams," said
Kate Breaux, President of the
Gatepath Auxiliary, who co-hosted The Power of
Possibilities. For more than 66 years, the Gatepath Auxiliary
has partnered with Gatepath and is fully committed to the mission
of creating a world where individuals of all abilities are
accepted, respected and included. "It's wonderful to come together
for an event like this to celebrate and recognize such incredible
and inspirational achievements by people throughout our
community."
Contact:
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Julia Ballantyne,
Gatepath
|
|
916-390-4671
cell
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jballantyne@gatepath.com
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SOURCE Gatepath