D&D Journey – Children With Disabilities Matter was founded on May 4, 2022 by Shimera Dennis, a mother of children with autism and special needs, Behavioral Specialist, and Autism Life Coach. The organization was created from lived experience and a deep understanding of the challenges families face when navigating diagnoses, limited resources, education systems, and community support.

After personally experiencing the emotional, educational, and systemic barriers that many families encounter—such as accessing services, understanding IEPs, managing therapies, and finding inclusive community spaces—Shimera recognized the urgent need for an organization that truly understood families from the inside out. D&D Journey was built to be a safe space where families feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Since its establishment, D&D Journey has grown into a trusted community-based nonprofit serving children with disabilities and their families through advocacy, education, and inclusive programming. The organization offers programs such as IEP navigation and support, autism, ADHD, and special needs training, Circle of Strength parent-to-parent support groups, art and enrichment programs, monthly resources, and family-centered community events.

D&D Journey has actively served the community through a variety of autism-friendly and sensory-inclusive events, including autism dances, arts and crafts activities, back-to-school initiatives, holiday celebrations, Toys for Tots distributions, and family resource events, while also collaborating with local businesses and organizations to expand its reach and impact.

What began as a mother’s vision has become a growing movement centered on compassion, advocacy, and community. Today, D&D Journey – Children With Disabilities Matter continues to expand its programs and partnerships, working to ensure that every child is valued and every family knows they are not alone on their journey.