Easton’s Speech-tacular Success Communication tools are critical for local children and teens with special needs, empowering them with the resources to connect with the world around them. Children who have difficulty communicating verbally significantly benefit from speech therapy and Augmented Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. However, despite their importance, many families face barriers in accessing these …
Paxton’s Path to Independence At five years old, Paxton’s smile serves as his superpower, radiating joy despite facing intense challenges starting at the very beginning of his life. Born weighing just 5 lbs. 3 oz at full term, Paxton was immediately admitted into the NICU. Just three weeks later, he battled sepsis and was hospitalized …
In a world where communication is often taken for granted, Variety gives local kids and teens the tools to fully express themselves. Seven-year-old Clarkson faces verbal communication barriers, but with speech therapy and the aid of a communication device, he now shares thoughts and feelings proudly. Clarkson’s whole world changed when his speech therapist recommended …
Since being diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder that affects the central nervous system, seven-year-old Ezra has faced significant barriers that have limited his mobility. Maneuvering his manual wheelchair has been a challenge, forcing Ezra to rely on others to navigate his surroundings. When Ezra’s family connected with Variety, it marked a pivotal moment, not …
Madi Navigates Her Next Chapter For 90 years, Variety has empowered kids with the life-changing tools to thrive during childhood and beyond. Before Madi and her family found Variety, they exemplified the struggles faced by thousands of families desperately searching for solutions to address their child’s basic needs. Madi’s family faced impossible choices, and since …
Variety Teen Jian Jian’s Drive for Independence Eighteen-year-old Jian Jian is a testament to the power of Variety when paired with unwavering determination. For 90 years, Variety has removed barriers that prevent kids and teens from pursuing their passions and shaping their futures. With Variety’s help, Jian Jian is now armed with the tools to …
Variety Alum Sarah Advocates for Inclusion For 90 years, Variety St. Louis has been empowering kids with the tools to improve skills, confidence, and independence throughout childhood in preparation for a successful transition into adulthood. No one embodies that spirit more than Variety Alum Sarah Schwegel, an Occupational Therapist Doctorate candidate, fierce advocate of disability …
Bikes for Kids 2023: A Ticket to Adventure “Once again, Variety is making the impossible, possible.” Families could not contain their enthusiasm as more than 200 local children received the gift of a new bike at Variety’s annual Bikes for Kids event on November 18 at Parkway Central High School. Bikes give children the freedom …
Amplifying Lily’s Possibilities Just three days after receiving her hearing aid from Variety, Lily’s speech had already begun to improve. Now she is attempting to articulate more words than ever and can’t stop singing “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” But words haven’t always come so easily for Lily. At a very young age, Lily experienced a …
Introducing My Voice®! Imagine being unable to let your loved ones know that you are hungry, in pain, or that you love them. A new, innovative program from Variety St. Louis eases such concerns and literally gives children a voice. Variety’s new initiative addresses the frustration, isolation, and helplessness felt by children who are unable …
Krishna is On the Move When Krishna’s family moved to the United States from India in 2006, everything was new – their home, language, resources, and community. They came prepared to welcome their newborn daughter into this new life. While they expected challenges, they were completely unprepared for the complications that arose in the first …
Russell is One in Seven Billion Like many mothers, when Jessica held her newborn son in her arms for the first time, she knew she was holding a miracle. He seemed like one in a million. What she didn’t know was that her little miracle defied much longer odds than that. Within days of Russell’s …
Standard Bike Applications are OPEN UPDATE: Due to an overwhelmingly positive response, the 2022 Bikes for Kids applications were filled sooner than expected. Registration is now closed. Do you have (or do you know) a child with a disability who needs a new bike? Apply today for a FREE standard bike through our Bikes for …
Emmett Walks with His Brothers! Most four-year-old kids are naturally inclined to explore every inch of the world around them. But for some kids, like Emmett, physical challenges make walking, climbing, and playing with siblings less attainable. Luckily, Variety was able to provide Emmett with daytime and nighttime orthotics in partnership with the St. …
Colton’s Accessible World When Colton was born, doctors told his mother, Latrice, that she should not expect him to live longer than a year. But Latrice was not willing to accept that. For the first few years of his life, Colton spent most of his time in hospitals and at doctor appointments to address his …
For many children like Meilyn, finding their voice can be a struggle. Thanks to a new communication device from Variety, Meilyn has found her voice! Now she can communicate with not only the world, but most importantly, her parents. By the end of the first day with the device she was already having success. The …
Thanks to a new therapeutic bike from Variety, Winter is building the strength, balance, and confidence she needs to walk.
Variety Kid Lincoln recently received a piece of a medical equipment that does it all – keeps him safe, gives him a place to place to play, helps his family take care of him, and provides a comfy space for a good night’s sleep. This all-purpose piece of equipment? A safety bed. This bed is …
As spring draws near and the weather starts to get warmer, people are starting to get outside. Whether by foot or by bike, many are hitting the trails to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. Until recently, however, this wasn’t an option for Variety Teen Erica. Erica uses a wheelchair to get around. Her wheelchair …
Doctors used to tell Jada’s mom, Candice, that Jada would be a “lay baby.” By that, they meant she would do little more than lay on the floor due to her diagnosis of cerebral palsy. To that, Candice had one word – “No!” She refused to believe that her daughter couldn’t be something more. Today, …
