Blessed with Extraordinary: Empowering Families and Advancing a
Part memoir, part roadmap, Blessed with Extraordinary combines Linda Bonner’s personal journey as the parent of an adult son with Down syndrome with practical guidance for families raising children with Down syndrome and other Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
Filled with encouragement, advocacy tools, and life-planning insights, this bestselling book helps readers move from uncertainty to understanding—and from understanding to meaningful action.
When Linda’s son Kevin was born, she found herself navigating a world she knew little about. Like many parents of children with disabilities, she searched for answers, resources, and hope while learning how to advocate for her child and build a meaningful future. Over the years, she discovered that while the journey may look different than expected, it can also be filled with joy, purpose, growth, and possibility.
Through personal stories and lessons learned over more than three decades, Linda shares the strategies, resources, and mindset shifts that helped her family move forward with confidence. While Kevin’s story is rooted in Down syndrome, the guidance, encouragement, and practical tools throughout this book apply broadly to families navigating many forms of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Blessed with Extraordinary offers both inspiration and actionable advice, empowering families to embrace their unique journey and create a future filled with opportunity, purpose, and hope.
More Than a Book
Blessed with Extraordinary is an invitation to see disability through a different lens. It challenges readers to move beyond assumptions, recognize strengths, and create communities where every person is valued, included, and empowered to contribute.
Because when we build understanding, we create belonging. And when we create belonging, we build a more inclusive world for everyone.
What Families Will Find
Whether your child is newly diagnosed, school-aged, transitioning to adulthood, or already an adult, you’ll find practical guidance and encouragement for every stage of the journey, including:
Understanding disability and embracing possibility
Navigating education and advocacy
Building independence and daily living skills
Creating meaningful friendships and community connections
Supporting emotional well-being and self-care
Planning for adulthood and the future
Accessing resources, services, and support systems
Celebrating strengths, progress, and everyday victories
Most importantly, families will discover that they do not have to walk this journey alone.
What Professionals, Businesses, Nonprofits, and Community Leaders Will Discover
Creating a more inclusive world begins with understanding.
Blessed with Extraordinary offers valuable insights into the lived experiences of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and their families. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the barriers many families face, the importance of dignity and belonging, and the role communities play in creating opportunities for everyone to participate and thrive.
You will discover:
Why inclusion requires more than awareness
How language shapes perceptions and experiences
The importance of community connections and belonging
Ways organizations can create more welcoming and accessible environments
Opportunities to support individuals and families through meaningful action
How businesses, nonprofits, and community groups can help build a culture of inclusion
Celebrating Down Syndrome Note Cards
Show your love and support for the Down syndrome community with our limited edition “Celebrating Down Syndrome” Note Card Set.
This boxed set of four beautifully designed cards features the classic yellow and blue palette and uplifting messages that celebrate the beauty, strength, and contributions of individuals with Down syndrome and other forms of IDD.
Perfect for any occasion, these cards are a meaningful way to spread joy, awareness, and encouragement.
Digital Journals
Our downloadable resources are designed to help you stay organized and celebrate your child’s growth at every stage.
These digital tools complement the Blessed with Extraordinary book and workbook, making it easier to manage appointments, track progress, and advocate confidently for your child.
Lifetime Exclusive Resource Library
This is a live resource designed to grow with you. With a one-time purchase, you receive lifetime access to an always-updated collection of trusted resources—so you always have current, relevant support without re-downloading or managing multiple versions.
See what everyone is saying!