Ryan is a young man entering into adulthood who has brought about many changes in his life this year. He graduated with his class from Concord High School in June. Although he is nonverbal, he was able to participate in all regular education classes with the assistance of a qualified aide and by using facilitated communication. Like many other recent graduates, he is taking a semester off to enjoy community activities before beginning college classes after the first of the year.
When our youngest son returned home from an extended hospital stay brought on by viral encephalitis, we expected him to resume his participation in his community, which included school. However, we encountered barriers at every turn.
In September of 1994, I was accepted into the NH Leadership Series. This Series gave us the tools and information needed to develop and implement our vision that has continued to grow in possibilities over the years. Ryan is a now young man who is entering into adulthood. This year has brought about many changes in his life.
In June he graduated with his class from Concord High School. Although he is nonverbal, he was able to participate in all regular education classes with the assistance of a qualified aide and by using facilitated communication. Like many other recent graduates, he is taking a semester off to spend enjoying community activities before beginning college classes after the first of the new year.
Ryan's years in public school could be trying at times, but the rewards far outweigh the problems we encountered. From the moment he reentered the school system after his illness, his friends and classmates were at his side. Many of these children remain his friends to this day. Had we home schooled Ryan, or permitted him to be placed out of district, these connections could not have been developed. Perhaps one of our proudest moments as parents was watching Ryan receive his diploma and hear the number of students cheering him on.
The Institute on Disability's New Hampshire Leadership Series showed us how to maintain our vision for Ryan when many around us were only interested in describing the many things Ryan couldn't do, or the things he would never experience.
Yes, the yellow bus no longer stops at our house, but Ryan is looking forward to college classes and starting to discuss possible career options. He knows that there will be challenges ahead, but he's committed to showing others that anything is possible with a little support from family and friends.
The Leadership Series also expanded my vision for myself. I learned the importance of being involved at the local, state, and national level if real systemic change is going to happen. I am a member of our local school board, on the NH School Board Association Board of Directors, and numerous other committees and task forces. I am currently the Director of CAUSE (Communities Actively United for Social Equality) and continue to be involved in issues at the state and national level.