Noted author, Sesame Street writer Emily Perl Kingsley to speak at Passages annual dinner
(Talk of the Town photo provided) Author and Sesame Street writer since 1970, Emily Perl Kingsley, below, will speak at Passages' upcoming annual dinner about her life and experience raising a child with an intellectual disability.
By Tammy Nickolson
Passages, Inc. will conduct its annual meeting, themed “Passport to Italy”, on October 5, 2011, at the Eagles Nest Event Center in Columbia City.
Besides presenting a brief overview of 2011 business, the special program will feature Sesame Street writer Ms. Emily Perl Kingsley. Kingsley has been writing for Sesame Street since 1970. Her work has been acknowledged with 12 Emmy Awards and 9 Emmy Award nominations. She has also been widely recognized for her work with the disability community; having received numerous local, state and national awards for her pioneering efforts.
Kingsley is the author of over 20 children’s books, two Sesame Street home video releases (Elmo Learns to Share; Elmo Says Boo!), and two Disney interactive CD-ROMS.
In 1974 Kingsley’s son, Jason, was born with Down syndrome. It was her son's birth that inspired Kingsley to include children with various disabilities as part of the Sesame Street cast. Today, Kingsley continues to be an advocate for individuals with disabilities. She served for nine years on the Board of Directors of the National Down Syndrome Congress and chaired the Adoption Committee.
Kingsley is the author of the widely published piece,"Welcome to Holland." This piece compares the experience of planning for the birth of a child to planning a trip to Italy, but ending up in Holland.
In 1987, Kingsley wrote the made-for-television movie, "Kids Like These." The movie premiered on CBS and has been shown on numerous other networks since that time. "Kids Like These" begins with the birth of Ms. Kingsley’s son and covers the next nine years.
Please join Passages as we take a trip to Italy and enjoy samplings of Italian cuisine. This event is free and open to the public, and begins with socializing at 6:30 p.m. RSVPs are appreciated.
For further information, contact Tammy Nickolson at 244-9317 or via email at tnickolson@passagesinc.org