Jack needs to be included with his peers for part of the day; why won't the teacher modify his work?  How do I help Sally succeed in after-school programs when she needs support?  Why do parents look at me with a combination of pity and disdain when my child interacts differently on the playground?

Mothers of children with special needs are thrust into a war they didn't anticipate, with no battle plans laid out for them.  They wage a battle and make huge inroads one schoolyear, just to be set back to the starting gate the following year, fighting over the same issues with new educators.  They're on the front lines to garner the most appropriate services for their child to reach their potential.  It's not for the faint of heart.

But the courage, strength, and resilience that these mothers discover within themselves is inspiring.  Almost any mother of a child with special needs will tell you, her experience is a gift that has changed her forever.  There will be a special forum on Oct. 26 at the JCC Mid-Westchester that will bring this community together to listen to experts, connect with other parents, and celebrate the power of love.  All are invited to attend Warrior Moms: Parents of Children with Special Needs and How They are Changing the World.

Join "Welcome to Holland" author Emily Kinsgley and Elaine Hall, author of Now I See the Moon, to discuss how parents of children with special needs are changing the world.  Parents are invited to bring their ideas and come home with inspiration.   Engage in a discussion of how others have succeeded and what the future can bring for children of all abilities.  This event will be moderated by Sandee Brawarsky, book critic for The Jewish Week and editor of Text/Context.

Elaine Hall is the founder of The Miracle Project, a theatre and music program that was chronicled in the Emmy-Award winning HBO film Autism:  The Musical.  Emily Perl Kingsley is a longtime writer for Sesame Street, winner of 18 Emmy Awards, and mother of Jason Kingsley, co-author of Count Us In:  Growing Up with Down Syndrome.  Ms. Kingsley was the impetus behind Sesame Street's inclusion of people with disabilities as regular castmembers.

Attendance is free, but registration is required by calling 914-761-5100, ext. 151.