The Turner Town Project

A Turner Syndrome and

Nonverbal Learning Disabilities

Awareness Campaign

How we began

The Turner Town Project was started in 2005 as a grass-roots initiative. This interactive awareness campaign was created to inform the general public about two relatively unknown conditions, Turner Syndrome (TS) and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (NLD).

Philosophy

The Turner Town Project educates the general public by utilizing a unique collection of full-size dollhouses and miniature scenes with accompanying storyboards. This innovative exhibit provides information and fun for visitors of all ages while spotlighting the story of "Joy," a girl with TS and NLD. Turner Town strives to change any stigmas towards people with disabilities or differences.

Our Work

The Turner Town display has been showcased in many diverse venues over the past several years. This self-teaching traveling exhibit features educational posters and materials, measuring stations, related activities and a portable library. Turner Town's Director has conducted speaking presentations and seminars to both adult and youth groups.

Get in touch

To contact the Town Director,

please send email to: jwakenellts@gmail.com

NEW EVENTS

2026 UPCOMING EVENTS

The Turner Town Project is sponsoring a booth at the third annual Different Abilities Resource Fair for Families on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at The Livonia Bennett Civic Center Library in Livonia, Michigan. The library is located at 32777 Five Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48154. This free fair will take place from 11 am to 1 pm connecting families with a variety of community resources. Mark your calendars. Turner Town will celebrate our nation's 250th birthday by featuring the patriotic "Short Waves Beach Resort" and 4th of July mini parade at the event.

We are proud to announce that Turner Town will also have a booth at the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools Mental Health & Wellness Fair. The fair is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 10 am - 2 pm. The public can attend this outdoor event at Kellogg Park in Downtown Plymouth, Michigan for free. Enjoy music, food, family friendly activities, and over 120 informational booths about local organizations/resources. Hope to see you there!

PAST EVENTS

2025 Memories - Some of the Turner Town Scenes were showcased at St. Aidan's Catholic Church Harvest Festival on August 24, 2025. Turner Town was displayed in the church's Activity Center.

The Turner Town Project had a booth at The Different Abilities Resource Fair for Families at the Livonia Bennett Civic Center Library on Saturday, March 29, 2025. A new house, the Home Bakery, and children's activities were featured. Brochures, a standing story book, Turner Town books and photo boxes were available at the booth. This fair was free to the public.

Additionally, a Turner Town booth was held at the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools Mental Health and Wellness Fair. This was a free, outdoor event on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The event was hosted at Kellogg Park in Downtown Plymouth, Michigan. The annual family affair included complementary food, raffles, and entertainment, as well as vendors of local groups, organizations, and mental health experts.

2024 MEMORIES - The Turner Town Project featured The Professor's Place at the Different Abilities Resource Fair for Families at the Livonia Bennett Civic Center Library on Saturday, April 13, 2024. A new photo and information screen was also introduced. An accompanying Education Station focused on testing for Nonverbal Learning Disabilities. Brochures, a standing story book, Turner Town story books and photo boxes were available at the booth.

On July 18 - 20, 2024 at the National Turner Syndrome Society of the United States Conference in Orlando, Florida, The Turner Town Project displayed the latest addition to the Town, the Home Bakery. This tall stately Tudor house featured an eye-catching picture window of pies and goodies. The storyline centered on solving "math mysteries" in the kitchen for the main character Joy. The Director hosted a number of Q & A sessions at the convention.

Be sure to check back on this site for any future updates or announcements about this campaign. To reach the Director of Turner Town, see contact information above or go to "contact" section of this website.

Information window at

Redford District Public Library

Video Links

These videos were filmed by the City of Dearborn Television and the City of Livonia TV, as well as a short in-house promotional piece created by the Livonia Civic Center Library staff.