A love of all animals, Star Wars, Boise State University, being an artist, a winking rainbow, doing gymnastics, reading “millions of books,” dancing — these are the things children in the Developmental Disabilities Program think of when they  describe themselves and their interests.

This is the first year for the Idaho Children’s art contest highlighting children who receive developmental disability services throughout the state.

“We want to highlight the children in our program, because they are the reason we come to work each day,” said Sarah Allen, a supervisor in the Children’s Developmental Disabilities Program in the Department of Health and Welfare. “This contest showcased the kids in our program — their interests, strengths, talents, and future aspirations. It was really fun learning more about the kids we serve.” 

Sarah and her team were inspired by a contest for the children in the Idaho Kincare Program. That contest encourages children to celebrate the relatives and significant adults who open their hearts and homes to them because their parents are unable to take care of them. It is called “My Family. My Story.”

So Sarah and her team in the West Hub organized and collected 55 entries for “It’s About Me!” All of the children who entered received a certificate, and 15 were chosen to be prize winners. They each received a gift card for community activities specially chosen for each child based on their interests and in consultation with case managers and community providers.

“We would especially like to thank Hummel Architects because they gave a cash donation to purchase the gift cards,” Sarah said. “One child received a gift card for art supplies. Another received one for Jump Time. And another received one for a ceramics class. We couldn’t have done it without their help.”

Meet the winners:

Ages 3-8

Levi, Idaho Falls

Lance, Emmett

Sarah, Idaho Falls

 

Ages 9-13

Ian, Idaho Falls

Emma, Boise

David, Lewiston

Spencer, CDA

Rebecca, Salmon

 

Ages 14-18

Payton, Boise

Anna, Emmett

Hallie, Idaho Falls

 

Distinguished entries

Malachi

Hope

Whitney

Brandon