Get To Know Your Blog Committee - Denise Lambert

I’m Denise Lambert and I've have been a member of the CAC Blog Committee for 3 years. I have 2 children- one 8th grader and one 4rd grader, in the district. The oldest child is receiving special education services.

Why did you join the blog committee?

I joined the blog committee because I was in the right place at the wrong time! I had gone to a couple of CAC meetings and wanted to attend the Legislative Committee meeting. I arrived early while the Blog Committee meeting was starting. It was in the beginning stages of development and seemed interesting to me.

The people that I met at the meeting were dynamic, passionate and knowledgeable. They wanted to make a difference in their children's' lives by doing something positive and proactive. They were supportive and understanding. I knew that I wanted to be a part of this group.

I think that the blog is a great way to communicate with the special needs community. Our children attend different schools throughout the district, so aside from the CAC meetings, it is difficult to know what is happening. The blog keeps us updated.

I have several friends on Facebook (some who I have yet to meet in person) who post links or videos that are relevant to special education. Sometimes, I’ll share those links on the blog or find my own links to news topics that may be of interest. I feel it is important to know what is happening, not only in our community, but in the rest of the world in regards to disability rights.

What other areas do you help out in the special education community?

I am an active member of the CAC and the chairperson for the CAC Legislation Committee. I am the Preschool Liaison for Gregory Gardens Elementary School/Robert Shearer Preschool PTA. I am also the Parent Educator Program (PEP) coordinator there. PEP is a program designed by the Center For Human Development to teach children about drug and alcohol resistance and bullying. It is especially important for bullying to be addressed as it pertains to our children with special needs.

What do you do for fun?

One of my favorite things is Friday family “Pizza and Movie” night. We make pizzas (one pizza is gluten-free) and we watch a movie together. I love having all my guys together at the end of the week. I really enjoy my family.

I like to do Jazzercise at the Dance Connection. I love the music and the dancing . (When the boys were little, it was the only time that I got to listen to music other than Toddler Favorites or Disney!) It is a very supportive group of people. Many of them have known my sons since they were babies and supported me through some tough times.

I also love to watch documentaries and foreign films (and the occasional romantic comedy!) I've watched some inspirational documentaries about people with special needs - particularly autism. They are a great reminder that beautiful spirits can be hidden inside neurodiverse bodies. Given the right tools and assistive technology, they can be revealed. Watch Autism is A World!

I love to read, but I don't get to do it often. I tend to get so involved in the books that I lose track of time - until the kids are looking for dinner. I guess I'd better not join a book club!