For many parents, navigating the complexities of raising children with unique learning needs can be overwhelming. Access to information, support networks, and resources is crucial—but often, finding the right ones can feel like an impossible challenge. That’s exactly what brought Gaby Cornelio, a dedicated mother of three, to the Region 10 Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Fair (PFC Engagement Fair), an annual event designed to empower parents through education, connection, and bilingual support.
“I found out about the PFC Engagement Fair through my school district,” says Cornelio. “What caught my attention the most was that it was a bilingual event. My family is bilingual, and one of my children is even learning American Sign Language (ASL), so we could say he is trilingual. As soon as I saw the information, I knew it was a great opportunity for me as a mom.”
The PFC Engagement Fair is a hub for families seeking guidance on topics ranging from special education to multilingual learning. With sessions in both English and Spanish and resources to support families of all backgrounds, the event ensures that language is never a barrier to education.
Cornelio, whose children all receive special education services, including her youngest son, who is in a program for the deaf, came to the fair searching for valuable information and a sense of community.
“My goal was to learn, improve, and find resources that would help me guide my children,” she shares. “I was also looking to connect with other parents who might be going through similar situations. I believe that when we connect with others, we grow. This exchange of ideas, advice, and mutual support is incredibly enriching.”
One session that left a profound impact on Gaby was “The Power of Words”, which emphasized how a parent’s words can shape a child’s confidence and future. “The speaker shared powerful examples of how children who don’t receive encouragement and support often struggle academically. That really made me reflect as a mother,” she says. “Now, I make a conscious effort to use positive affirmations with my kids every day.”
One of the standout aspects of the PFC Engagement Fair is the unwavering support of the Multilingual Team. Their mission is to bridge language gaps and ensure all families have access to the resources they need.
For Cornelio, this support made all the difference. “Sometimes, as bilingual parents, we struggle to find information in our preferred language,” she says. “But at the fair, I felt seen and understood. I could attend sessions in Spanish, speak with professionals who truly cared, and take home materials that I could easily share with my family.”
This was Gaby’s first time attending the PFC Engagement Fair, but it certainly won’t be her last. “I didn’t even know this event existed before,” she admits. “But now that I do, I plan to invite as many parents as I can next year. These opportunities help us grow as parents, give us the tools to support our children, and remind us that we are not alone.”
“Mi hermano no habla, pero su corazón sí” is a beautifully illustrated children’s book by Gaby Cornelio, inspired by her own family’s journey. The story highlights the power of communication beyond words, emphasizing love, understanding, and the unique ways we connect with one another. Through heartfelt storytelling, Gaby brings awareness to disabilities and special needs, fostering empathy and inclusion among young readers.