Bench Dedication

In Memory of Alli Tucker

As many of you know, former client Allison "Alli" Tucker passed away in December of 2021. On November 29 of last year, which was Alli's birthday, TASC held a small gathering at the Sanctuary to dedicate a bench to her memory.

The Tucker family was in attendance, as well as TASC staff and clients who were close to Alli. Since she loved Harry Potter, the Sanctuary was decorated in green and black in honor of her favorite Hogwarts house, Slytherin. After spending time together reminiscing about Alli and eating lunch, a small service was held in front of the bench. Friends and family were invited to lay flowers on the bench and share memories of Alli; a special song was also performed by Cindy Vaquera, a TASC employee who was especially close to her.

It was a memorial celebration befitting a beautiful and joyful soul who delighted in socializing and loved parties. Alli is deeply missed but she will be remembered always. As the memorial plaque reads: A life that touches others goes on forever.

Meet our TASC Board of Directors Series

I taught at Encino Elementary, Kgn ('76-'78), Bassett Elementary, grades 4-6 & Student Council ('78-'93), Monlux MST Magnet, grades 3-6 ('93-2003), and Monlux MST Magnet's Program Coordinator (2003-2009). I retired from L.A.U.S.D in 2009 after teaching 33 years.

I met my wife, Marlene, at age 16 and we were married at age 20. We been married for 53 years. We have 2 children, Nick, age 40 and Elizabeth, age 36. We have a 20-month-old grandchild, Eva.

Why do you serve on TASC’s Board of Directors? 

I met Ken Lane in 2001 when my son graduated from Grant High School. Due to his learning difficulties, he needed to have additional help with reading, math, and job skills. We heard about TASC's program at a Regional Center meeting. We met with Ken and looked at their program when it was located at a small church campus in Reseda. This small setting was perfect for Nick. During this time we also met TASC's teaching staff, which included Ken Kane, Ken's son, Hector, Dennis, Bob and several teaching aides. Nick stayed at TASC for about 2 1/2 years, but he wanted to receive job coaching, which, sadly, wasn't available at TASC at that time.

During my son's 2 1/2 year stay at TASC, I did a lot of volunteer work during my school breaks and summer vacations. I volunteered for fundraising and music programs performed by TASC students and their teachers. I learned a great deal about Ken Lane and the TASC Program. After my son left TASC, I stayed on and eventually joined the TASC Board in 2003, serving as the Board Secretary.   

What is the best thing about serving on TASC’s Board?

Over my 20+ years on the TASC Board I have learned the importance of group interaction, teamwork, and shared leadership. Under Ken Lane's Directorship, and the more recent 2-year Directorship of Dennis Rutnam's guidance has enabled my skill growth over the years. Also, longtime Board Member, Ethel Swanson's 30+years of shared experience has been invaluable while holding my many Board roles - Secretary, Treasurer, and for the last 6+ years as the Board Chair.

What are your future hopes for TASC? 

As I see it, I hope TASC will continue to grow and allow the plans set in place to mature before moving further ahead. Our Director, Dennis and Deputy Director, Alona have laid out plans that may take 3-5 years to bring to fruition. Let's give them time.

What is your favorite leadership quote?

"Negative energy may hold you down to the ground, so try to be positive and see how high you can fly!"  Mr. Leone, Elementary School Science Teacher - retired.

Clients Celebrate Valentine's Day at the Sweet Hearts Swing Dance

The Sanctuary got a 50's makeover this past Tuesday at a Valentine's Dance for TASC clients. They enjoyed burgers and fries from the Habit truck and milkshakes handmade by staff. There were also Valentine's goodie bags and desserts, arts and crafts, and plenty of nostalgic tunes for dancing. Check back next month for highlights from the Mardi Gras event!

Celebrating Black History Month

As we celebrate Black History Month and recognize the vital contributions made by African Americans in the United States, it is important to note that this includes 6 million African Americans* living with a disability. Click on the links below to read profiles of disabled black historical figures, innovators and activists whose contributions to society were made despite structural barriers to their success.

• Muhammad Ali - Dyslexic Role Model Fought in the Ring and for Racial and Social Justice
• Maya Angelou, Legendary Poet and Civil Rights Activist Who Had a Disability, Inspires Generations
• Halle Berry: Living with Disability While Taking a Stand against Domestic Violence
• Olympic & Disability Champion Simone Biles Makes History While Mesmerizing Many
• La’Rina Carolina: Pioneer Breaking the Inequality Lines Between Deaf and Hearing Societies
• Lois Curtis: One Woman with Disabilities Fight for Freedom For All
• Andrea Dalzell: RN Who Uses a Wheelchair Treating COVID-19 Patients in NYC
• Missy Elliott ‘Works it,’ Serves as Role Model for Young Women with Disabilities
• Deafblind Civil Rights Lawyer Haben Girma Advocates for Disability Rights in Media
• Whoopi Goldberg: Talented Actress, Comedienne and Talk Show Host Lives with Dyslexia
• First Female Deaf African American Lawyer Claudia Gordon, Anti-Discrimination Advocate
• Daymond John: Clothing Entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” Star with Dyslexia
• Actress with Cerebral Palsy Diana Elizabeth Jordan is Veteran of 40 Shows, Shorts and Movies
• Solange Knowles: Grammy-Winning Role Model for African American Performers with Disabilities
• Lachi: NY Music Sensation & Ardent Disability Champion
• Janet LeBreck: Pioneer of Change and Role Model for African American Women with Disabilities
• Tatiana Lee: Changing Media Perceptions, One Modeling Job at a Time
• Pulitzer-Winning Columnist Clarence Page Credits ADHD with Making Him a Better Journalist
• Lauren “Lolo” Spencer on the Importance of Authentic Storytelling
• Harriet Tubman, Legendary Poet and Civil Rights Activist with Epilepsy, Inspires Generations
• Donna Walton Creates Nationwide Movement of Representation with Divas With Disabilities

(www.respectability.org)

*National Center on Disability and Journalism

Upcoming Events

March 1

Black and African American Support Group

Coming together to create a safe, supportive place to

connect with other families of children, young and

old, with special needs, to share resources, provide

advocacy and to be part of an inclusive community. Please register with

theresa.quary@csun.edu.

March 6 and 8

LAUSD Parents' Guide to Understanding Related Services

Information on various programs and service models within the special education guidelines. For more information, go to achieve.lausd.net/sped.

March 13-17

CSUN Assistive Technology Conference

The CSUN Assistive Technology Conference is a platform for researchers, practitioners, educators, exhibitors and more from around the world, where they can share knowledge, innovations, and best practices to promote inclusion for all. T^o register, click here.