A Touch Of Understanding

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A Touch Of Understanding At A Touch of Understanding we change lives by teaching empathy, inclusion & respect. This is accomplished thru the lens of disability awareness.

We create a lasting impact in our schools & communities by inspiring kindness, understanding, & compassion.

ATOU STORYBOOK – CHAPTER 3Celebrating the People Behind the Mission The Moments That Stay With UsSometimes, one moment c...
10/13/2026

ATOU STORYBOOK – CHAPTER 3

Celebrating the People Behind the Mission

The Moments That Stay With Us

Sometimes, one moment can leave an impression that lasts a lifetime.
For longtime ATOU volunteer Byron, that moment happened during an elementary school workshop, when a fourth-grade student asked a question that no one expected.

Byron's journey with A Touch of Understanding began when he and his wife, Judi, attended a local disability awareness event. After meeting the ATOU team and attending his first workshop, he was hooked!

As he became more involved, two fellow volunteer speakers, Darlene and Mike, made a particularly lasting impression. Their positive outlooks, personal stories, and ability to connect with students inspired him.

Then came that unforgettable moment.
A young student asked Darlene, who was blind, what she would want to see if she could have perfect vision for just 60 seconds.
Without hesitation, Darlene answered that she would want to see her two daughters, now grown, and her granddaughter.

For Byron, her response was a powerful reminder of what truly matters and the importance of being comfortable in your own skin.

Today, Byron continues to carry forward the inspiration he received from Darlene and Mike, sharing his own experiences and helping children discover the importance of empathy, understanding, and acceptance.

As Byron puts it:
“I am still following the path of the Darlene's and Mike's.”
Thank you, Byron, for the laughter, dedication, and heart you bring to our ATOU family. Your story reminds us that the impact of one volunteer can continue through countless others.

Thank you for turning another page in the ATOU Storybook!

🌟 SIX YEARS IN A ROW! THANK YOU! 🌟We are thrilled and honored to share that A Touch of Understanding has once again been...
10/10/2026

🌟 SIX YEARS IN A ROW! THANK YOU! 🌟

We are thrilled and honored to share that A Touch of Understanding has once again been recognized in STYLE Magazine's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards!
Voted #2 Charitable Organization in our region!

For SIX consecutive years, our community has recognized ATOU among the region's favorite charitable organizations, and we couldn't be more grateful!
To everyone who voted for us, supports our mission, volunteers their time, and believes in the power of empathy, inclusion, and understanding...THANK YOU!

This recognition belongs to all of YOU who help us make a difference in the lives of children and communities every day.

What an incredible way to celebrate our 30th Anniversary year!

30 Years. Countless Lives Touched. One Extraordinary ATOU Family! Some celebrations are about milestones. Others are abo...
10/09/2026

30 Years. Countless Lives Touched. One Extraordinary ATOU Family!

Some celebrations are about milestones. Others are about memories. And sometimes, the most meaningful celebrations remind us of the PEOPLE who made it all possible.

On Saturday, October 3rd, A Touch of Understanding brought together generations of volunteers, Board members, staff, and friends for a very special 30th Anniversary Volunteer Gathering.

And what a remarkable celebration it was!
There were familiar faces, heartfelt reunions, wonderful stories, plenty of laughter, and opportunities to reconnect with people who hadn't seen one another in years. It was a beautiful reminder that while time moves forward, the connections we make through service can last a lifetime.

Throughout the gathering, we reflected on the journey that brought us here:
💙 Our founder, Leslie DeDora, shared memories of ATOU's beginnings and the vision that started it all.
💙 Executive Director Meghan Adamski reflected on how our mission has come full circle, continuing to touch lives in ways we could never have imagined 30 years ago.
💙 Mia Johnson, one of our newest interns, shared her inspiring story of experiencing an ATOU workshop as a 10-year-old student and how that experience created a ripple effect that eventually brought her back to ATOU.
💙 Susie shared memories of Youth Force and the lasting impact of that special part of ATOU's history.
One especially meaningful moment was the presentation of the Ed Ennis Award to longtime Board member Mike Wilson, who served as President of our Board of Directors for an extraordinary 20 years. Presented by Leslie and Meghan, this recognition honored Mike's remarkable dedication, leadership, and years of service to ATOU.

Another touching part of our celebration was the ATOU Memory Wall, honoring treasured volunteers, friends, and supporters who are no longer with us. Their contributions, friendships, and belief in our mission remain woven into the fabric of ATOU. Though they could not be with us in person, they will always be part of our story.

As we looked around the room, we were reminded that ATOU's story has never been about one person or one generation. It has been written by hundreds of caring individuals who believed that understanding, empathy, and inclusion could change lives.

Thirty years later, that belief continues to bring us together.
To everyone who has been part of our journey, whether for a few months or three decades, THANK YOU. You are part of our history, our heart, and our future.

As we celebrate 30 years of A Touch of Understanding, one thing becomes beautifully clear: Our greatest legacy isn't measured only by the number of workshops we've presented or the students we've reached. It's reflected in the friendships we've built, the lives we've touched, the volunteers who have given so much of themselves, and the next generation inspired to carry our mission forward.

Thirty years of memories. Thirty years of friendships. Thirty years of making a difference...TOGETHER!

Connection, Community & a Little Friendly Competition! A Touch of Understanding is excited to be part of the DSIA 3-2-1 ...
10/08/2026

Connection, Community & a Little Friendly Competition!

A Touch of Understanding is excited to be part of the DSIA 3-2-1 Co****le Classic on Sunday, October 11!

Sunday, October 11 | 10:00 AM
Drake’s The Barn | West Sacramento

This fun community event brings together individuals, families, friends and supporters for a day of co****le, laughter and connection.

At ATOU, we believe some of the best things happen when people come together — when differences are welcomed, friendships are formed and everyone has a place to belong.

Look for the ATOU booth while you’re there and stop by to say hello. We’re proud to support a day that celebrates community, inclusion and FUN!
****leClassic

A Special Night for Some Very Special Volunteers! Monday night, some of our amazing ATOU volunteers traded workshops for...
10/08/2026

A Special Night for Some Very Special Volunteers!

Monday night, some of our amazing ATOU volunteers traded workshops for Kings basketball and a special night at Golden 1 Center as the Sacramento Kings took on the Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center!

A heartfelt thank you to the City of Sacramento for generously providing ATOU with 25 tickets and the opportunity to enjoy the game from the City’s suite. What a wonderful way for us to celebrate some of the people who give so much of their time, energy and hearts to ATOU and the students we serve.

Our volunteers are such an important part of the ATOU family, and we love opportunities like this that allow them to simply relax, have fun and enjoy time together outside of our workshops.

Thank you, City of Sacramento, for helping us celebrate our incredible volunteers—and for making Monday night one to remember!

Wag, Walk & Stop By to Say Hello! ATOU is excited to be joining the fun at the Placer SPCA Wag & Walk!Saturday, October ...
10/07/2026

Wag, Walk & Stop By to Say Hello!

ATOU is excited to be joining the fun at the Placer SPCA Wag & Walk!
Saturday, October 10 | 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Johnson-Springview Park | Rocklin

It promises to be a great morning filled with four-legged friends, food trucks, vendor booths, dog-focused activities and contests, music and plenty of community fun.

And while you’re there, be sure to look for the A Touch of Understanding booth! Stop by, meet members of our team and learn more about how ATOU is helping young people develop greater empathy, understanding and respect for people of all abilities.

Bring your family, bring your pup, and come enjoy a wonderful morning in our community. We’d love to see you!

DID YOU KNOW?Sometimes running a nonprofit means wearing a lot of different hats.Executive Director? ✔️ Workshop leader?...
10/06/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Sometimes running a nonprofit means wearing a lot of different hats.
Executive Director? ✔️
Workshop leader? ✔️
Problem solver? ✔️
Windshield wiper technician? Apparently, yes.

A couple of years ago, during a break between groups of students at an ATOU workshop, our fearless leader, Meghan, discovered the Durango needed a little attention before the next rainy drive.
So where did we find her?
Sitting on the hood...changing the windshield wipers herself!

It may look like a funny behind-the-scenes moment — and it certainly is — but it also captures something we love about ATOU. Whether it's presenting to students, loading workshop equipment, solving an unexpected problem or changing a pair of wiper blades, everyone pitches in to keep the mission moving forward.

Thirty years of A Touch of Understanding has required a lot of heart, a lot of helping hands...and apparently, a few new windshield wipers along the way.

Because when you believe in the mission, you do what needs to be done.

Understanding Is Where Kindness BeginsOctober is National Bullying Prevention Month-an important reminder that each of u...
10/01/2026

Understanding Is Where Kindness Begins

October is National Bullying Prevention Month-an important reminder that each of us has a role in creating communities where people feel seen, valued and included.

At A Touch of Understanding, we believe one of the most powerful ways to prevent exclusion and unkindness is to help children understand one another.
When students have the opportunity to experience differences in a safe and meaningful way, ask questions and hear directly from people with disabilities, something begins to change.

*Fear can become curiosity.
*Curiosity can become understanding.
*And understanding can become empathy, kindness and respect.

We may not be able to prevent every unkind moment.
But we can help raise a generation that knows there is a better choice.

Choose understanding. Choose inclusion. Choose kindness.

Every Child Belongs in the Race!A Touch of Understanding is excited to be part of the 6th Annual Walk With Austin TRY-at...
09/30/2026

Every Child Belongs in the Race!

A Touch of Understanding is excited to be part of the 6th Annual Walk With Austin TRY-athlon for Kids of All Abilities on Saturday, October 3!

This inspiring event gives kids of all abilities the opportunity to swim, bike, run or roll their way to the finish line-followed by a Race & Finisher Party celebrating every participant.

Saturday, October 3 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
El Dorado Hills Community Park & Pool

At ATOU, we believe inclusion grows when we focus not on what someone can’t do, but on all the possibilities of what they CAN do.
We’re proud to join Walk With Austin for a morning that celebrates ability, determination, inclusion and FUN!

Look for the ATOU team and come say hello!

The Workshop Ends. The Impact Continues.An A Touch of Understanding workshop may last only a few hours…but what a studen...
09/29/2026

The Workshop Ends. The Impact Continues.

An A Touch of Understanding workshop may last only a few hours…but what a student takes away can last much longer.
It can show up the next day when a child chooses to sit beside someone who is alone.

When curiosity becomes understanding.
When someone who seems “different” is seen first as a person — with abilities, feelings, hopes and a story of their own.
And when a student chooses kindness instead of judgment.

For 30 years, A Touch of Understanding has been helping young people see beyond differences and discover what we share.
More than 167,000 students have experienced an ATOU workshop — and each one has had the opportunity to carry that understanding back into their classroom, their family and their community.

The workshop ends.
But the impact continues.

Address

5280 Stirling St, Ste 102
Granite Bay, CA
95746

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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