The Turner Town Project
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
2024 UPDATES - 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.
Sample of scene storyboard
at Turner Town Ice Rink
The Thanksgiving Day House debuted at
the 2016 TSSUS Conference in Cincinnati
The Halloween House (as part of Turner Town)
featured at the Henry Ford Centennial Library in Dearborn, Michigan
The Turner Town Cider Mill debuted at
the 2017 TSSUS Conference in Denver