The Special Needs Gang Comic Strip
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2012/02/18 - Updated: 2022/06/22
Topic: Recreation and Entertainment - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main
Synopsis: The social networking site has introduced The Special Needs Gang, a comic strip where the lead characters are individuals with special needs. Like the Charles M. Schultz strip "Peanuts,"; the main characters are lovable and colorful, facing their challenges with a daily dose of determination, hope, and fun. Rounding out the cast of characters are caregivers, teachers, therapists, and administrators who provide services to the 'gang.'
Introduction
VHIconnect, a recently launched social networking website serving the special needs community, has just introduced a new feature titled "The Special Needs Gang". In this comic strip, the lead characters are individuals with special needs.
Focus
The comic will be run weekly and syndicated to newspapers across the United States. "The Special Needs Gang" is the first comic strip to have lead characters with developmental disabilities.
Similar to the Charles M. Schultz strip "Peanuts", the main characters are lovable and colorful, facing their challenges with a daily dose of determination, hope, and fun. Rounding out the cast of characters are caregivers, teachers, therapists, and administrators who provide services to the 'gang.'
Following the current trend of bringing developmental disabilities into the public spotlight, VHIconnect wants to introduce children (and adults) to this previously hidden world of special needs in a fun, lighthearted way while also making them aware of the adversity these individuals face.
Apol, Enrique, Esteban, Randy, Blake, Calvin, and Marilyn bring to the readers an array of personalities and disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, and cognitive and physical disabilities. However, like anyone else, they can be serious or silly, angry or philosophical about life, friends, disabilities, and service programs. They often provide a unique perspective on life. As viewed from the eyes of a person with a disability, the world can look very different and sometimes challenging.
To the rescue is the Care Team, an eclectic group of individuals that provide educational services, therapy, and other supports to The Special Needs Gang. This compassionate group of professionals works diligently to maximize the quality of life of those they serve. On any given day, they can work miracles, but at times they unintentionally make life more difficult for the' gang members.' Their intentions are good, but the outcomes can be surprising! In the end, things work out, with a lesson or two for everyone involved.
"The VHIconnect website is quite impressive." says Georgia Yerby, mother of a special needs child and former president of a California advocacy organization. "The comic strip will make it even more interesting and enjoyable."
The Special Needs Gang creative team comprises Steve Johnson and June Lim, both strong advocates for persons with disabilities. Steve, a former tech industry executive, has worked and volunteered with special needs individuals for over 12 years and has several innovations and awards to his credit. More information about the creative team, the comic strip, and the social network for the special needs community can be found at the VHIconnect website.
Vast Horizons, a California nonprofit based in Silicon Valley, has a history of developing innovative service models for persons with special needs. Their latest innovation, social networking and news website, connects families, caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals to information, resources, and each other.
Author Credentials: Ian is an Australian-born writer, editor, and advocate who currently resides in Montreal, Canada. He is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.