Mikaylas Voice

We seek to inspire and empower children to be the voice of inclusion for everyone and show our world a better way. Our organization is unique, and we are proud of our differences. Mikayla’s Voice is the only local non-profit organization in our area, and one of a just a handful in Pennsylvania, focused on inclusion for people with disabilities. Other state and national groups are primarily centered on inclusion in education and/or employment, while we focus on inclusion in all aspects of life. But what really sets us apart is our commitment to empower children and young adults to lead our efforts toward a culture of greater inclusion.

Mikayla was brain injured at birth resulting in profound physical and intellectual disabilities, including her inability to speak. Despite the severity of Mikayla’s disabilities, her family always strived to give her as normal a life as possible and requested that Mikayla be included in regular education classes at the same school her younger sister would later attend. Her attendance was the most important factor in her ability, and the ability of her family, to move forward, and ultimately benefitted everyone. She matriculated through the Nazareth Area School District, remaining fully included at the intermediate, middle and high schools. She graduated with her class in 2014, but not before having silently taught her friends some most valuable life lessons. According to former Superintendent, Victor Lesky, “The Nazareth Area School District was so lucky to share Mikayla’s life during her journey through school. She provided so much love and inspiration, much more than we could ever return to her.”

Children have always been the most accepting of Mikayla’s disabilities and this generation has an important message to share. For too many years, people with disabilities have been excluded from social, educational and employment opportunities. Most adults remember when all children with disabilities were placed in separate classrooms or schools. Through increased inclusive practices in our schools and communities, our children have been blessed with greater appreciation for and friendships with children with disabilities. Mikayla’s Voice was founded on the belief that children are in the best position to teach our community about the importance of inclusion. Our children are our future and we are proud to let them lead by example, teaching others to celebrate diversity, embrace individuals of all abilities., and show kindness to all. This builds their self-confidence, empowers them to stand up for what they believe and encourages their growth into adults who to continue to advocate for inclusion.

Children are our future, Mikayla’s Voice was founded to let them lead by example today: teaching others to celebrate diversity, embrace individuals of all abilities, and show kindness to all.

They are Mikayla’s Voice.

Mikayla’s Voice has developed and coordinates three inclusive programming initiatives: one each in the arts, education, and sports and recreation. All are well established, have enjoyed significant growth, and are positioned for even greater success. Each allows kids of all abilities to enjoy and demonstrate successful inclusion as they work and play together. Fear can be the biggest barrier to inclusion so we talk openly about differences, providing honest answers to any and all questions the children may have. Those with disabilities enjoy greater understanding and acceptance as their peers’ anxiety is quickly relieved. As they become comfortable together, develop strategies to include everyone, and establish genuine friendships, they teach others to do the same. Our unique and innovative programming gives children the opportunity to educate their communities and create cultural change as they prove inclusion is possible in all aspects of life.

We have published three books written and illustrated by children for other kids about having a friend with a disability. Jeffrey has Down syndrome, Brady is challenged by autism, and Mikayla was born with a brain injury, but these books are not about the main characters or their disabilities. They are about friendship. And kindness.

Our Inclusion Assemblies introduce valuable dialogue that can be continued in every classroom, demonstrating children’s capacity for understanding, acceptance and compassion. Facilitated with the help of a child or young adult with a disability, these assemblies begin by sharing the book Our Friend Mikayla to provide background knowledge about having a disability. After sharing their own stories and photos, the hosts’ field questions about Mikayla’s and their own personal experiences. All questions are welcome and encouraged to ease any remaining apprehension and foster greater inclusion, kindness, and friendship. Each assembly concludes with an invitation for all students to serve as Mikayla’s “Voice.”

Children paint not with brushes, but with the wheels of a wheelchair (or walker) and the paws (and tail) of a service dog in our unique art program. Wheels of Friendship® has expanded to represent and include those with deafness or hearing impairment, by adding sign language with cutout handprints. We have also featured braille and diverse textures made by, appreciated by, and symbolizing people with blindness or visual impairment. Finished paintings are unveiled at school-wide presentations and remain on permanent display in the schools where they were created.

Tri for Inclusion is our inclusive youth triathlon but is much more than a race. It is a priceless opportunity for all kids and young adults, and an important message for our entire community. Kids of all abilities compete side-by-side and together in something they had likely not dreamed possible or ever planned to do and show our entire community that there is always a way to include everyone in everything.

Having experienced first-hand the benefits of inclusion for themselves, Mikayla and everyone she met, Mikayla’s family and friends started an organization to encourage and support inclusion for all. Mikayla died this past January, and without being cliché, her services were truly a celebration of her life. At the age of twenty-four, she had doubled her predicted life expectancy and led a life full of love and friendship. Without a doubt, the single most important thing in her life was her inclusion in her school and community, and she had a greater impact on this world than most of us ever will.

Before Mikayla died, her mom promised that her voice would continue to be heard. Louder. Stronger. Farther. There is no stronger motivation than a mother’s love for her children. Kimberly Resh remains committed to the growth and success of Mikayla’s Voice. She wishes to continue to the work they started together, building Mikayla’s legacy in her memory and honor. Equally important is her desire to ensure all children have the opportunities Mikayla and her friends did. They truly made a difference, and through Mikayla’s Voice so can every child. Joining Kim is another mother on a mission. As the mom of a son with an intellectual disability and autism, Rita Cheskiewicz understands the struggle for equality and acceptance individuals with disabilities encounter. She shares Kim’s passion to inspire and empower children and young adults to be the voice of Mikayla, AJ, and others who need to be heard.

These two women come with much more than a personal interest and desire for a more inclusive world. Rita is a proven non-profit executive with a wealth of professional experience navigating the public-school system as well as state and local agencies supporting children and adults with disabilities. Her most recent work as Program Director for a statewide inclusion project supported the inclusion of children and young adults in schools and community. As Mikayla’s Voice new Executive Director, she is excited for this opportunity to empower children to improve the culture in these settings. As the founder and past Executive Director, Kim was excited to assume the role of Director of (Fun and Innovative!) Programs and focus her time and talents on the development, replication and quality of Mikayla’s Voice inclusive youth programming.

Perhaps most important, Mikayla’s Voice Board of Directors brings more than donations of time and funding. Each and every director shares a passion for inclusion and belief in children and envisions a kinder world for all.

We are proud of our programs, their ingenuity, quality, and the integrity with which they are delivered. Our inclusive programming is always unique and innovative ~ never a duplication of services. And, in keeping with the importance and value we place on our message and children, we never sacrifice quality. We publish our children’s books as hard cover library bound editions not only to ensure a durable product for schools, but to underscore the importance of the authors’ message. Likewise, we purchase quality supplies for their artwork, and substantial medals for all triathletes. Quality matters. It sends a message. All kids deserve the very best. And will get nothing less from Mikayla’s Voice. We give every child our attention, honesty, patience, and respect. Always.

Accordingly, Mikayla’s Voice has enjoyed much success including:
• Three completely innovative first-of-their-kind before programs
• Delivery of 110 inclusion assemblies to 36,832 students.
• Inclusive art projects conducted with 1801 student artists in 33 schools.
• Three books written and illustrated by kids for kids.
• Almost 6000 books donated to school and classrooms.
• Over 600 athletes have participated in our truly inclusive sports event.