Jason Kingsley and Mitchell Levitz, authors of Count Us In: Growing Up with Down Syndrome (Harcourt), will share their thoughts and feelings, hopes and dreams, lifelong friendship and experiences growing up with Down syndrome at a special community forum on Thursday, Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mid-Island Y Jewish Community Center, 45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview.

Hosted by the Mid-Island Y JCC's K.I.S.S. Center (Kids In Special Services) and co-sponsored by The Jewish Week and UJA-Federation Task Force on People with Disabilities, this exciting program will be moderated by The Jewish Week book critic Sandee Brawarsky and will feature readings, discussion and book signing.

In Count Us In, recently reissued with a new afterword by the authors that recounts their successes and challenges as adults, Jason and Mitchell's wit, intelligence, candor and charm make a powerful and inspirational statement about the full potential of people with developmental disabilities.

Jason Kingsley, who resides in Hartsdale, NY, is an award-winning television actor who has received many awards recognizing his contributions toward better understanding and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities.

Mitchell Levitz works as a disabilities specialist for the Westchester Institute for Human Development and the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State. A resident of Cortlandt Manor, NY, he serves on the board of directors of the National Down Syndrome Society.

This community forum is presented as part of a Jewish Week series entitled "Toward Inclusion: A New Dialogue on Disabilities."

Admission is free but reservations are recommended. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Janet at Janet@Jewishweek.org or fax 212-921-8420.