Little Rock - Disabled children are sometimes unintentionally left out of making the same kinds of childhood memories that healthy kids make. But some caring adults often help bridge that gap.

Julie Mayberry's daughter, Katie, has Spina bifida, and is confined to a wheelchair. But, it didn't stop her aspirations.

(Julie Mayberry, "I Can! Dance" Director) “She was looking at her older sister taking a dance class, and she said, ‘Mommy, I want to take a dance class too.’ It's kind of hard to say no to this sweet little girl. We figured out a way to start a dance class for children with disabilities.” 

That way is the I Can! Dance class. Children with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and other severe conditions have been liberated to dance--and dance--and dance. The group seemingly performs at all the central Arkansas festivals. And, they're even taking their show on the road.

Next month, they'll perform at Disney World. Their trip will include a behind-the-scenes visit from some of the Epcot performers.

(Mayberry) “These children are just so excited. You know how magical Disney World is to begin with--and to think that they will be a part of that magic. The hope behind it is to give these children the chance to perform in front of a fantastic crowd--but also to touch the lives of the people who are watching them.”

And it's not just the people who are watching them. The kids also touch the life of their teacher.

(Mayberry) “These children are just so incredibly precious to me. I get an incredible reward every time I work with them. And just seeing the improvement that they've made...They have the ability to touch someone's life in a way that a perfectly healthy child just can't. They're beautiful."

If you'd like to find out more about the I Can! Dance class, click here.

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