By Angela Gartner • Photography by Kim Stahnke
We highlight individuals and families who are inspiring others by sharing their experiences in the workplace, participating in fun and meaningful activities, and demonstrating how advocacy can create a more inclusive community for everyone.
Taking Advantage of Activities in the Region — Kelly Mozena, sons Cason and Kurt,
and their family
Kelly Mozena is a mom of three, with two boys, Cason, 11, and Kurt, 9, who both attend Julie Billiart Schools.
“They love playing in the dirt and construction toys, monster trucks and going to Monster Jam,” Mozena says of Cason and Kurt. “They love to wrestle, be rough, ride their bikes and tumble outside. They’re very loving, sweet and kind boys who definitely have overcome lots of challenges and struggles.”
She says for the boys, who were diagnosed with autism, their family is grateful to live in an area where there are so many opportunities for inclusion.
“You see more and more places doing sensory-friendly things or hours,” Mozena says. “There are more private therapy locations opening up and there are schools available that specialize in children with differing needs, like how Julie Billiart Schools has increased the number of locations and has continued to make improvements on services and their summer camp.”
The family has also taken advantage of services from the Autism Society of Akron and We Rock the Spectrum. For the boys’ love of trucks, local touch-a-truck events offer sensory-friendly hours. “They are not honking or turning on their sirens, and there’s less of a crowd,” Mozena says. “It’s really beneficial to my boys. They are sensitive (to sound and crowds) and really enjoy activities like that.”
Her advice for new parents is not to be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. “Find that circle for you and for your child, so that you have that support system, even if you feel like you don’t need it or already have family surrounding you,” Mozena says. “You can never have enough in your corner.”