The influence of the normally developing children on the special-needs children during class is often enormous. "It's amazing," said Perreault-Steubing. "They see the typical kids next to them reaching for something, and they copy it. Julius reached for the first time in the art studio. When other kids were putting together a collage project, he actually lifted up his left arm. I just got teary-eyed. He actually reached!"

At the end of every session, KS has an art show, acknowledging each of the children and his or her art. It's an encouraging time for the kids as well as the parents. "Every child has their spotlight moment where they say this is what I made," Perreault-Steubing said. "They're just so proud of themselves." The public reception and art show for "Sight, Sound, Texture, Color and Vibration" is June 5.

When Julius was hurt due to lack of oxygen it was as if the whole family was suffocating. "Our lives were completely derailed by the pain and strain that was often unbearable," said Perreault-Steubing. "I truly believed I would never smile again. But developing the Kindred Spirits program helped redefine and recreate our places, supporting our new and very challenged reality. Kindred Spirits ties together severed parts and times of my life; it joins my artistic past with my current situation. Quite frankly . . . once I had somewhat of a grip on my new life with Julius, I saw that it was fundamentally necessary to create Kindred Spirits for all of our survival."

And the survival of many others.

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E-mail: gag@desnews.com