My name is Randell Resneder. I am the founder and Executive Director of Handicapped Awareness Programs (HAP)

Let me share with you how HAP all got started. In fall of 1988, I entered Hart High School as a freshman, not only a freshman but, a freshman with Cerebral Palsy. I was tormented by the remarks, such as "Where's your mommy?" I decided that I was partly to blame. I did not teach them how to deal with me. The all Handicapped Children act of 1975 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 have been passed. However, these laws did not legislate attitudes toward people with mental and physical challenges.

In May of 1989 we held the first Handicapped Awareness Week (HAW). The students as well as the staff became more aware of people with disabilities. We also had speakers through out the week. The weeks we had since then were very successful.

The ideas have spread and I am very proud to say the Saugus Optimists have worked with me since 1990. We have had Handicapped Awareness Carnival, Picnic, wheelchair basket ball exhibition, obstacle course, and speakers. The City of Santa Clarita awarded us $1600 through a grant written by Susan Hayward from the Saugus Optimist.

If you have any questions or please feel free to email me at Randell@handiaware.com

Randell Resneder

Executive Director/Founder of HAP