Quinn Bradlee couldn’t find what he was looking for - so he created it!
Friends of Quinn (FOQ) is an online community for young adults with learning differences and those who love them.
Over several years, FOQ has grown and flourished, thanks to Quinn’s passion, tireless effort, and creativity.
With warmth and humor, Quinn welcomes us with a short video, explaining that FOQ is about creating a support system, making friends, owning our differences, and living life to the fullest.
Young people with diverse differences from around the world now participate in FOQ. Quinn and friends share experiences, explore wide-ranging topics, learn about resources, and encourage each other.
Quinn’s video interviews are a special feature. They’ve spread across the net via YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.
Recently, none other than director Steven Spielberg shared his personal journey with dyslexia in an exclusive video interview with Quinn!
About FOQ
The FOQ site is friendly, accessible, and engaging:
- The “dislexie” font was developed by Christian Boer, a designer who has dyslexia
- Users can shift fonts by clicking a button at the top of the page
- Another button enables a “Browse Aloud” text reader function
- Videos and colorful photos are visually appealing and engaging
- The “friend finder” feature and “conversation starters” help members connect
- Engaging posts on wide-ranging topics are written by community members as well as Quinn
- A discussion forum is coming soon
About Quinn
Health and learning challenges posed by velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCF) have never stopped Quinn from pursuing his dreams. He has accomplished more so far in his young life than most of us achieve in a lifetime.
Quinn published his first book, A Different Life: Growing up Learning Disabled and Other Adventures, in 2009. The following year he teamed up with his dad to write A Life’s Work: Fathers and Sons. Quinn has also produced a number of videos about VCF and learning differences. His most recent film is I Can’t Do This, But I Can Do That.
As you can see, Quinn has a passion for encouraging and empowering peers with differences.
His core message resounds in all his endeavors:
- “Own your differences - make your differences your strengths”
- “Live life to the fullest!”
- “You’re not alone”
- “Reach out and connect”
Quinn is making a positive difference in the world by being who he is - and reaching out to us all. Let’s follow his example by finding and living our own passion - and reaching out to one another!
Your turn
Does the idea of “owning your differences” resonate with you? How have your child’s differences become his or her strengths?
What do you think about the idea of connecting with others through online community?
We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Let’s support each other on the journey!
Please spread the word about Quinn and FOQ by sharing this post. Thanks!
Photo Credit: Friends of Quinn
