A book signing that embraces the ability in disability

Hallie Peilet Young had a soft spot for The Haven since the very first story. As former Suncoast News Network’s evening anchor and reporter, she encountered the nonprofit organization back in 2017 for a news segment. Young felt a strong connection toward The Haven and has stayed in touch with the nonprofit ever since.

Now as The Haven’s development director, Young held a book signing for her newly published book, “My Disability Is My Superpower: Seeing the Ability in Disability” on March 4 at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime.

Photo by Dariela Delgado

Members of The Haven came early to support the author who wrote the story of a boy named James who has a disability and realizes that it's a special gift and he’s capable of extraordinary things. The story is based on Selby Preschool, which is part of The Haven.

Photo by Dariela Delgado

“(The Haven) has so many programs that inspire me, but one in particular is our preschool. It’s an inclusive preschool. You have kids with and without disabilities learning in the same environment,” said Young. “I’ve seen how this makes the kids without disabilities become really kind, loving and accepting kids.”

Photo by Dariela Delgado

Young wanted her book to be multipurpose; she wanted to spread the book’s message and bring awareness to a place that sees those with disabilities as something to be celebrated. Young hinted that she plans to write another book sometime this summer.

“I wanted to give the kids out there who are different the courage to realize, ‘This doesn’t make me bad. I have a superpower,’” said Young.