PeerBlooms began as a simple idea rooted in personal experience and a deep desire for inclusion. Founder and President Eddie Ding, a student at Thomas Wootton High School, had spent four years working with neurodivergent children and young people with disabilities through camps, nonprofits, and University of Maryland-based programs. Those experiences revealed a clear gap in access to opportunities and support, even as he saw the strengths and passions these students displayed when given a chance to belong. Eddie’s mission is also shaped by his relationship with his older sister, who has a disability and often faced challenges with everyday tasks. Growing up beside her strengthened his belief that inclusion should be the norm rather than the exception.
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