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

2025 UPDATES - The Turner Town Project will have a booth at The Different Abilities Resource Fair for Families at the Livonia Bennett Civic Center Library on Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 11 am to 1 pm. A new house, the Home Bakery, and children's activities will be featured. Brochures, a standing story book, Turner Town books and photo boxes will be available at the booth. This fair is free to the public.

Additionally, a Turner Town booth will be at the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools Mental Health and Wellness Fair. This is a free, outdoor event on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 10 am to 2 pm. The event is at Kellogg Park in Downtown Plymouth, Michigan. This annual family affair includes complementary food, raffles, and entertainment, as well as vendors of local groups, organizations, and mental health experts.

PAST Events

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.