The Transcending Labels book is returning this March in a powerful second edition, with the objective of making a meaningful impact on the special needs community across the country. With the help of my wonderful publisher, Marya Sherron, several enhancements are being made to the book—including a slight but important change to the title.
Transcending Labels: Conversations That Break Barriers and Build Understanding
The updated Transcending Labels book reflects years of lived experience, friendship, and meaningful connection within the disability community.
I’ve also added a chapter around my experience coaching basketball for Special Olympics Indiana, which is part of what sparked the idea for a second edition. Currently, the book is limited to only being sold on Amazon. As of launching, the book will also be available at barnesandnoble.com and https://bookshop.org/lists/
Making the book available in more places underscores the inspiration behind creating a second edition. I believe that “round one” made its fair share of impact, but that there was so much more I could have done to effectively market the book and truly make a massive difference.
Mission: Rooted in the purpose of encouraging people to get involved with/contribute to the special needs community in meaningful ways.
Through my experience of volunteering in this community, I have found one common thread in most people that volunteer their time and/or money: they have a familial connection to the special needs community. I want to make something very clear: if someone has a child, brother, sister, or cousin with special needs and/or disabilities, and chooses to give their time to serving these people, that is amazing. However, I see a great need for people like myself, with no prior familial connection, to get involved and enjoy the many fulfilling experiences associated with doing so. My introduction to this community was almost accidental, and I couldn’t be more grateful for what it has turned into in my life. My mission to is be intentional with this book and spreading the messages in it to the world.
Long-term goals:
· Impact the lives of 1 million+ people connected to the special needs and disabilities communities.
· $100,000+ contributed to Special Olympics Indiana throughout this decades-long mission
· One at a time, more people like Robert and Stephen (two of my best friends) have a new friend in their corner to support them and their mental health because of reading the messages in the book.
At its core, Transcending Labels is an invitation to move beyond assumptions and toward authentic human connection.
I encourage you to grab a copy when the book is available. In the meantime, take a moment to read this summary written by my publisher, a fierce advocate for this community.
Discover the Power of Human Connection Beyond Labels
This heartfelt and inspiring book invites readers to truly see individuals with exceptional needs and disabilities—not through the lens of limitation, but through the richness of their humanity. Blending personal reflections with powerful conversations and lived experiences, this collection is a call to connect, understand, and embrace.
While not strictly a self-help book, it offers practical insights and gentle guidance for anyone looking to engage more meaningfully with the disability community. Whether you’re a parent, educator, neighbor, or simply someone with an open heart, you’ll find value in its thoughtful reflections and real-world application sections.
Inside, you’ll discover:
- Uplifting stories that challenge assumptions and celebrate individuality
- Simple, compassionate ways to foster inclusion and kindness
- Encouragement to move from awareness to authentic connection
Let this book be your starting point—or your reminder—that every person is worthy of being seen, heard, and valued.
