Three years ago my dad and step mom discovered The Arc of Union County. Providing a "home away from home" the two programs I currently attend are After School and Saturday Respite.
Born on July 7, 1997 in Iowa City, Iowa, I spent my early years in the Midwest, primarily with my mother. Early on I did not engage with my environment or interact with people. Not wanting me to feel stigmatized, my mom chose not to pursue a diagnosis or therapeutic intervention. Once I relocated to New Jersey, my father and step mom decided to seek help. Through testing and evaluation I was diagnosed with autism.
Determined to find community resources, my dad and step mom found and contacted The Arc of Union County. Interested in programs offered through The Arc's Family Support Department my parents met with staff member Donna Kell. Donna not only assisted in choosing the right types of programs to augment what I was learning in school but helped my dad and step mom navigate the complexities of registering with the NJ State Division of Developmental Disabilities.
Over the past three years, my world has grown. I love to travel and can now independently organize items for a trip, making sure I have everything needed. Participating in various recreation activities Arc staff members like Crystal, Colleen and James help me by reinforcing lessons learned at home, school and within Arc programs. My friend Brandon and I both recently moved up to the After School "teen" room and every day I feel more comfortable in my surroundings. My parents proudly say that I am thriving!
I don't know what the future holds, but we are working with The Arc to explore vocational possibilities for me after graduation from school. Perhaps I will even join the 100+ individuals in The Arc of Union County's residential programs and move into one of the homes. For now I go to school every day and attend the After School and Saturday Respite programs. I am having more fun and am involved in life more than ever before. |
