Welcome to the homepage for my very first children's book, Colin Gets a Chance. From the day my first child was born, and I was told an hour after his birth that he has Down syndrome, my life changed forever. It's been quite a journey of unexpected twists and turns. While my son, Colin, has been diagnosed with severe ADHD and Apraxia of Speech, in addition to Down syndrome, I have developed such a deep admiration for him as he is forced to work so much harder for those things we take for granted every day. From the day my wife and I were blessed with Colin, I have always strived to raise the awareness of Down syndrome and how much these individuals have to offer if just given a chance.
I hope you enjoy my book and that it helps to open up the lines of communication with your children on the sensitive topic of Down syndrome and special needs individuals. The greatest part about my book, Colin Gets a Chance, is that every illustration in the book, including the book's cover, was completed by individuals with Down syndrome. I could not be more proud of my illustrators and what they have accomplished as this book would never have come to fruition had I not given them all a chance. Next time you see someone with Down syndrome or other special needs, try giving them a chance. I promise, you won't be disappointed. |
|
Colin Gets a Chance
Colin Gets a Chance by author, Brian A. Beale, is an inspirational look into a day in the life of a special needs little boy and how the acts of a child's peers can have such a significant impact. Colin has ...
read book detail
|
|
Partnership Formed with Special Olympics of PA
Exciting Partnership Formed with Special Olympics of Pennsylvania!!! I am so happy to announce that 10% of all book sales of "Colin Gets a Chance" will now be donated to Special Olympics of Pennsylvania. Please spread the word to everyone you know and have them go to www.colingetsachance.com to purchase their copy today!!!! Not only can you now own a copy of this book with the all-important message of acceptance and inclusion of others who appear different on the surface, but are more alike than different once given a chance, BUT you can also support Special Olympics of Pennsylvania at the same time!!!! It doesn't get much better than that. Thanks as always to everyone for your continued support.
Posted on 5/5/2009
read the blog
|
Happy New Year!!!
Happy New Year to everyone!! I just wanted to take a moment to thank you all for your gracious support of my first children's book, Colin Gets a Chance. I have received such unbelievable feedback thus far, but I want you all to know I am going into this new year with guns a blazin' as I am really looking for that one big break to give the book some national exposure and, most importantly, to give the 18 truly amazing individuals with Down syndrome who illustrated the book the national exposure and recognition they deserve!! Please know I could not do that without each and every one of you continuing to spread the word to anyone and everyone you know. If you know of anyone in the media, please get this story to them. If you know of anyone with book store connections, please get it to them. My goal from day one has been for the world to see how exceptional these kids are, and I refuse to rest until mission accomplished!!! Have a safe, healthy, and Happy New Year. Here's to 2009!!!
Posted on 1/5/2009
read the blog
|
So Far So Good!!!
Well, it's been a few months now since Colin Gets a Chance hit the market, and I am excited to say I've received some unbelievable feedback thus far, particularly from parents and teachers who have found the book to be a great tool in talking with their children about Down syndrome and disabilities in general, and the acceptance and inclusion of others who may appear different on the surface, but are more alike than different once given a chance. I spoke with four 8th grade classes about the book and about my experience raising a son with Down syndrome, particularly the daily stares from others when in public and the one word I despise more than any other; retard. I call it the R word. It's used far too often now as it's become far too accepted in our everyday vernacular. I asked the kids to stop using the R word that day and to stop their friends from using it when they hear it. I could not believe their reaction as they truly did not realize the effect one word can have on so many others. I received 110 thank you cards in the mail from these students, many of which said they have stoped using the R word and have already stopped others in their tracks when it's been used in their presence. How awesome is that??? Others told me how they've made a more conscious effort to include others on a daily basis as nobody should ever be left out and everyone deserves a chance. Colin Gets a Chance started as text and pictures and has really taken on so much more since publication. It's teaching an extremely valuable lesson to so many children at an early age who never realized the power they hold in the palm of their hands in the acceptance and inclusion of others.
Posted on 11/17/2008
read the blog
|
A True Inspiration
Well, it's official. I am now a first-time published author! Talk about exciting!!! I would have never been able to do this without all the illustrators who took part in the book cover and every illustration within Colin Gets a Chance. They all overcome many challenges every day just to do the things that many of us take for granted. They all have Down syndrome and their illustrations are awesome, which really goes to show what they can do if just given a chance. I could not be more proud of each of them for taking part in this endeavor. I always say this is just a simple little book made 1,000 times bigger by the inspirational illustrations inside. I hope this book helps to open up the lines of communication between children and their parents, guardians, and/or teachers about Down syndrome and other special needs. 1 out of 800 children today are born with Down syndrome. Awareness leads to acceptance, which ultimately, leads to more love shared between us all.
Posted on 8/8/2008
read the blog
|
|
|
|
Colin Gets a Chance
reviewed by
Special Education Teacher
(5 Stars)
read the
review
|
|
|
| | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa |
|---|
| 28 | 29 | 30 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 1 | | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|
|
|