Meet Linda Bonner | Author, Disability Champion, Speaker, Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Linda Bonner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Linda, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
FROM BYSTANDER TO CHAMPION: Disability language matters. Inclusion Matters. Taking Action In Communities.

I am passionate about educating and inspiring others about the benefits of inclusion, using people-first language, and supporting and including people with disabilities in our own communities..

When I first wrote “Blessed with Extraordinary: Support and resources for families of children with Down Syndrome”, my primary goal was to provide hope and encouragement for parents. My book is filled with resources, personal stories, experiences I had while raising my child and information about how to find support in local communities.

My desire to make a difference in the life of other families with a child or loved one with Down Syndrome was just the beginning. I met more and more families and have been able to impact them with something as simple as a single critical resource or words of encouragement that helped them and their child.

I felt a true sense of purpose and became inspired to continue to connect with families and individuals with Down Syndrome. Based on these interactions I found I was answering some of the same questions each time. I started a list of most requested resources and information and began sharing those on social media which gave me a platform to speak to a broader audience. I was now able to reach families and individuals with up current resources and information on topics like ABLE accounts, teaching independence skills and more. My reach now extended out to the world.

Not only was I reaching families of loved ones with Down Syndrome, but I was able to share information to help the general public understand the facts about Down Syndrome and dispel antiquated myths. My social media posts provided information individuals and communities could use to build more vibrant and inclusive communities.

I began speaking to local organizations like Rotary, Kiwanis, and Lions Club which gave me the opportunity to become a voice, a champion and an advocate for the disability community. I developed and delivered presentations to community members and leaders educating, inspiring and helping them understand the many benefits of inclusion along with specifics on how they could become a champion or advocate themselves.

Another way I’ve been able to impact and help the world is through contributing articles on topics related to Down Syndrome. I love sharing real life stories to help people connect with and support the disability community. Online publications such as ShoutOut DFW, Voyage Dallas, Canvas Rebel and others make a way for me to contribute to this discussion.

I also contribute regular articles for my local McKinney Chamber of Commerce online publication, McKinney Today. I want to be a voice and spread the word about the abilities, value, and contributions of individuals with Down Syndrome around the world!

There have been many positive changes in society regarding acceptance and inclusion of individuals with disabilities but there is so much more to be done. Each of us has the opportunity to support people with Down Syndrome and other disabilities. I am proud to be a champion and advocate for building a more vibrant and inclusive world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been creating art and doing crafts since I was a child. My mom taught me to sew which allowed me to make my own clothes and later make hooded towels for children for my business “Kovers for Kids” and handmade jewelry and zippered pouches for my business “Inspired Things Studio”. She never met a craft she didn’t love and introduced me to the world of creativity.

When my children were young, I was a Creative Memories consultant and got to use my creativity to help people create custom and personalized scrapbooks. I loved teaching workshops and sharing tips for beautiful photo presentations.

Today my creative passion is working with paper, fabric and embellishment. One of these projects is mixed media Miniature Art. I create and sell these tiny pieces through “ART-O-MAT”. They refurbish vintage cigarette machines which now dispense miniature original art. These machines are located around the world and my art has been to multiple countries! You can find them at www.artomat.org.

“Linda Bonner Studios” was born in 2021 and since then I’ve been creating custom cards for weddings, new baby, sympathy, get well, birthday’s and more. I love the process of combining textures and colors to bring more beauty to the world. You can find my cards, art, and gifts at www.lindabonnerstudios.com.

What sets me apart is that each card is individually handmade, with hand cut papers and specially curated embellishment that help them convey a special message. From bible verses that provide inspiration to notecards designed specifically to encourage children, I help people express their heartfelt sentiments with beauty and unique designs.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
McKinney is home to a multitude of coffee shops! I would make sure visitors made a trip to White Box Roastery, Leaf Cafe, Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea , Filtered, and Duinos.

For a meal and desserts made from scratch with a European flair, I suggest Ogi’s Bakery. They offer beautifully made specialty cakes as well as unique lunch and dinner options.

A visit would not be complete with a walk around the Downtown McKinney Square with galleries, boutiques, cafes and antiques. While you’re there you’ll definitely want to stop at Emporium Pies for a tasty selection of inventive pie flavors.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my book and my work in the disability community to my late editor, Jane Maulucci. Jane was my champion and was so dedicated to making this project a success. She provided countless hours of editing, offering suggestions and fresh ideas that culminated in the book I have today.

She was fun, energetic, creative and just had a way with words. She not only worked on the book, but created the layout and documents that appear in my workbook.

She was a shining light in my life and is missed every day. Thank you, Jane, for the profound impact you’ve had on my life.

Website: https://www.blessedwithextraordinary.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/more_extraordinary_days/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-bonner-4953211a7/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564936136467

Other: https://lindabonnerstudios.com/