The i.m.perfect Story
i.m.perfect ultimately is inspired by my personal experience with three generations of family members with disabilities. Each experienced social and community integration challenges. My younger brother who lived 19 years with intellectual disabilities and severe epilepsy, my nephew who was born deaf and an Uncle who lives with Cerebral Palsy.
I understand the medical, therapeutic, educational, emotional and financial demands that can monopolize the time and energy of families with special needs children. It distracts from balanced family time and makes play dates challenging, which are important to a child's development. As children grow into their teen years, so do the demands for peer socialization of special needs children and their siblings. In addition, marketing in general is mostly tailored to the typical child/individual; not inclusive of those with special needs. After enough comments on my part, a friend suggested I do something. And so, in 2008, i.m.perfect was born.
I started i.m.perfect with a simple vision - host fun social events at community venues promoting integration, tolerance, and inclusion between special needs children, typical children, their families and the community where fears and barriers are diluted, spirits shine and friendships grow, embracing how children are more alike than they are different — which can be said for all of us. An important aspect of i.m.perfect programs include special needs and typical Community Ambassadors who welcome, assist and engage guests. Empowered, Community Ambassadors are encouraged to share their experiences and accomplishments with friends, family and classmates as well as spread the i.m.perfect message - celebrating the special in every child (everyone)!
The i.m.perfect name birthed organically honoring my brother and all the children the organization embraces. By simply adding a dot after the "i" and the "m" to the word imperfect, positive meaning blooms — i.m.perfect; with the tag line, "just as I am", reinforces our message of 'celebrating the special in every child'.
The grace and dignity with which we extend ourselves to others defines our humanity. Come and join the celebration of all the bright spirits in your community. I hope to meet you at an i.m.perfect event soon.
Warm Wishes,
Lynn Saccoliti
Founder, Chairman
