Now on to The Bubel/Aiken Foundation. I want to share with you some information on the foundation that we are supporting so that you understand just what Scrapping 4 Inclusion is all about.

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation was co-founded by Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel in 2003 to serve children with special needs.  Clay had the experience of working with children with autism both before and while he was attending University for his Special Education Teachers Degree. It was the relationship that he developed with a then 13 year old autistic boy Mike Bubel and his mother Diane Bubel that the basis of this foundation was started. Both Clay and Diane felt strongly that if they could open doors and open minds to the value of inclusion for all children, with or without disabilities, this world would be a better place.

Here is what Clay and Diane had to say about the Scrapping 4 Inclusion Program:

"I am excited about the possibilities of Scrapping 4 Inclusion. Through doing something that people love, people have the opportunity to find out about the need for inclusion. It gives us the opportunity to build our presence in local communities and inspire people to make a difference in the lives of children with developmental disabilities," Aiken says.

"Scrapbooking is a hobby that many people enjoy and a wonderful way to preserve your memories.  How nice and fitting it is that those who cherish and wish to preserve their memories are giving children with disabilities a chance to create memories of their own. My thanks go out to all those involved in these wonderful events!" says Diane Bubel Co-Founder of TBAF.

The Foundation provides services and financial assistance to promote the full integration of children with disabilities into the life environment of those without. The Foundation strives to create awareness about the diversity of individuals with disabilities and the possibilities that inclusion can bring.  ALL children deserve the opportunity to learn, live, and play together.

In addition to organizing the Scrapping 4 Inclusion fundraising crops across the country, Scrapping 4 Inclusion and the Foundation organized a pilot program called Let's ALL Scrapbook this past summer involving scrapbooking with over 250 children with and without disabilities.  The intention of this program was to provide an opportunity for anyone and everyone to be able to bring an inclusive program to their own communities. It was also a way to complete the circle and bring scrapbooking to the children. This program can be included as part of the existing Let's ALL Play inclusive summer camp program or run independently as a small-scale inclusive activity.  The Let's ALL Scrapbook program manual is available for download at www.scrapping4inclusion.com

To learn more about The Bubel/Aiken Foundation visit their website at www.bubelaiken.org