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Differently-abled Dolls and Elves Light Up Special Needs Kids

- Children who are differently-abled and have altered appearances can now have dolls that look like them.
- Children can have a doll with a cleft palate, a hearing aid, or a bandaged leg.
- Dolls are modified by a mother who has a daughter wearing hearing aids.
Thanks to mom of two, Clare Tawell, 39, who modifies dolls that have hearing aids, cleft palates, and hospital tubes, children who have the same medical conditions or have illnesses that alter their appearance, can experience having kindred dolls.
The medical radiation technologist’s hobby is adjusting dolls to have specific special needs or disabilities. Her inspiration for the modified dolls is her 4-year-old daughter Matilda, who is deaf and wears hearing aids.
The latest graduates from Elf School have all left for their new homes to cause mischief this Christmas! ???? If you’d…
Posted by Bright Ears UK on Friday, 16 October 2020
Tawell says, “I became really disheartened when I couldn’t find a doll or any toy with hearing aids. It felt to me that society didn’t deem her important and therefore she shouldn’t be ‘acknowledged.’”
Matilda’s reaction to her modified doll when she presented it to her, spelled the beginning of her new pursuit as she “could tell (the girl) ‘got’ what the doll was about because she kept touching the doll’s hearing aids and then her own hearing aids.”
Her fellow mothers at the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) also requested for the same dolls and “it kind of snowballed from there…. It is incredibly empowering for them. So, my range of dolls quickly expanded, and I’m still expanding them now to include as many medical conditions as possible.”
“We still live in a world that puts great emphasis on ‘being normal,’ so if you have a physical/visible difference you are often made to feel abnormal. To a child, this can really affect their self-confidence and esteem. When they go into a toy shop and see dolls with all ‘normal’ features it only strengthens the feeling of not belonging, or feeling like the odd one out. I want to change that.”

Since 2017, her home-based, one-woman nonprofit business, has now sold more than 2,000 modified dolls and elves on Etsy. What people pay for when they purchase these dolls and elves are for labor time, material costs, and charges or fees of Etsy.
Schools and nurseries have been using them to spread awareness to children who “will grow into adults who do not judge a person by how they look.”
Regarding ethnicity, Tawell only modifies the dolls and not make them but says it is an ongoing process with the manufacturer to increase the diversity of dolls.
Her dolls and elves are sold at the British-based elf called “Elves Behavin’ Badly,” or Etsy a PMS International company that she says is “very much behind what I do.”

“I would love for children in the future to be able to go into a shop and see dolls with hearing aids and cleft lips next to the regular dolls, because then it makes it normal, not different,” Tawell says. “When people see these dolls, it can open up a dialogue and increase awareness and understanding of these differences.”
Source: TODAY

Happy Tears
Airline Employee’s Heartfelt In-Flight Tribute to Her Former Teacher Warms Hearts

Quick Smiles:
- A delightful reunion unfolds as airline employee Lora recognizes her “favorite teacher ever,” Miss O’Connor, among the passengers, leading to an impromptu appreciation speech.
- Overflowing with emotion, Lora thanks Miss O’Connor for igniting her passion for Shakespeare and piano, attributing her master’s in piano to her former teacher’s inspiration.
- The heartwarming tribute culminates in a loving embrace, adding a touch of warmth and nostalgia to the flight for both the giver and receiver of this unexpected acknowledgment.
We’ve all had that one teacher who left an indelible mark on our lives, becoming a beacon of inspiration and guidance. For Lora, an airline employee, this beacon was her “favorite teacher ever,” Miss O’Connor.
In a beautiful twist of fate, Teacher Appreciation Day presented Lora with the extraordinary opportunity to celebrate Miss O’Connor as she found herself onboard Lora’s flight!
As Lora recognized her former educator among the passengers, she couldn’t hold back her emotions and took the opportunity to give her a special shoutout.
“I’m going to get emotional,” Lora forewarned, as her voice radiated warmth and nostalgia. It had been decades since their paths last crossed, but the profound impact Miss O’Connor had on her was palpable.
With teary eyes, Lora recounted the myriad ways Miss O’Connor had enriched her life, kindling her love for Shakespeare and fostering her musical pursuits.
“I haven’t seen her since 1990. This lady made me love Shakespeare, got me to play piano. I have my master’s in piano,” shared an emotional Lora, expressing her deep gratitude and love.
The cabin was enveloped in a profound sense of warmth as Lora concluded her heartfelt tribute, rushing over to envelop her former teacher in a tight, loving hug. “Thank you, Miss O’Connor! I love you!” Lora exclaimed, her words echoing the sentiments of countless students who’ve been profoundly touched by their teachers.
This poignant in-flight reunion and unexpected tribute are a beautiful reminder of the lasting impact educators have on their students.
The genuine affection and deep appreciation Lora showered upon Miss O’Connor have not only made that particular flight memorable but have also reminded everyone present of the boundless influence and inspiration a dedicated teacher brings to the lives of their students.
The entire experience was a beautiful testament to the enduring bonds and heartfelt gratitude that linger long after the school bells have rung their last.
Smile
Playful Great Dane and Newborn’s Adorable Bond Sends the Internet into a Collective “Aww”

Quick Smiles:
- An enchanting video captures a gentle Great Dane attempting to play with his baby sister, sparking delightful giggles from the newborn.
- Known for their loving and protective nature, Great Danes are highlighted as fantastic companions for children, fostering patience, empathy, and responsibility.
- This sweet interaction between the playful pup and the amused baby showcases the beautiful and nurturing bond that can form between kids and their furry friends.
There’s nothing quite like the pure joy emanating from a baby’s laughter, and a viral video is sharing this sweetness with the world. It features an adorable interaction between a newborn and her gentle Great Dane sibling.
The little girl is safely in her baby pen, and the pup, eager and filled with playful energy, is trying his best to reach and play with his little sister. The baby’s response? A symphony of delightful giggles, adding an extra layer of charm to this irresistible clip!
This video is spreading smiles across the internet, showcasing the cutest duo you’ve ever seen. The amusing attempts of the Great Dane to play with his sister bring out precious laughs from the baby, and we can’t help but join her in her amusement! This sweet moment between canine and human siblings is a beautiful reminder of the joy and bond pets bring into our lives.
Great Danes, known as gentle giants, are renowned for their affectionate and protective nature, especially around children. Their remarkable tolerance and calm demeanor make them excellent playmates, providing a safe and loving environment for children to grow and bond with their furry friends. It’s this gentle and friendly disposition that has earned them a reputation for being fantastic companions for families with kids.
Beyond just companionship and unconditional love, growing up with a dog can impart valuable life lessons to children. They learn empathy, responsibility, and patience, enriching their social and emotional development. This nurturing environment established by the presence of a dog is incredibly beneficial, making them a wonderful addition to any family.
While the size of a Great Dane may seem daunting, their loyalty and warmth overshadow any intimidation, making them the go-to choice for families seeking a loving and protective pet. This adorable video, filled with baby giggles and playful canine antics, illustrates the importance of such bonding moments.
It’s a heartwarming testament to the saying, “Dogs truly bring out the best in their people,” and it’s safe to say that anyone, human or animal, who can elicit such sweet laughs is incredibly special!
Source
Smile
Adorable Rescued Duckling Forms Unlikely Friendship

Quick Smiles:
- Beaker Boi, the cutest duckling, was rescued and now enjoys days full of happiness and health!
- Despite being an only-duck, Beaker has found companionship in a loving family of pit bulls.
- The unusual yet sweet friendship between Beaker and his canine friends has brought smiles and warmth to many!
Once in a while, we stumble upon heartwarming tales that make our hearts flutter with joy and our faces light up with smiles.
Beaker Boi, dubbed as the most adorable duckling in history, is the hero of one such delightful story, showing us that friendship knows no bounds!
This little feathery fellow was found in a parking lot last spring, a situation more common than you’d think. Although the word “abandoned” is used by Beaker’s mom, little ducklings sometimes just get separated from their flocks due to various unforeseen circumstances.
It’s typically recommended to contact local wildlife centers when finding such lonely ducks, as rescuing wild ducks isn’t a task for everyone. However, it seems Beaker Boi’s parents have managed to create a loving and joyous environment for him.
Interestingly, ducks crave companionship and can become lonely and depressed if left alone. This is why many duck keepers recommend having more than one duck. But here’s where Beaker’s tale takes an adorable twist!
Even as an only-duck, Beaker Boi has forged a beautiful friendship with a family of pit bulls. Yes, you read that right! Our little Beaker lives indoors, surrounded by his human and canine friends, keeping loneliness at bay.
And guess what? Many people have found that ducks and dogs make the best of friends, sharing a bond that seems to be a match made in heaven! It’s indeed fascinating and utterly sweet to see such diverse friendships blossoming.
Beaker Boi’s amusing and warm adventures have been shared by his mom on TikTok, allowing us to witness the beautiful bonds and joyful days he experiences.
While watching Beaker Boi and his pit bull pals, one can’t help but feel the warmth and cherish the simple joys of unlikely friendships in our diverse and wonderful world!
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