We invite you to follow Casey and Jada in their final year of school at ECLC of New Jersey. Look for updates throughout the coming months!
Casey’s Story
A copy of the poem “Welcome to Holland” was placed on lunch plates at the celebration following Casey’s baptism. This poignant poem tells the story of excitedly planning a vacation to Italy and unexpectedly landing in Holland.
Her mom, Joanne, wanted family and friends gathered that day to understand they were embarking on an unexpected journey with their fourth child. Casey was born with Down syndrome, and her life path would not be “typical.”
“I knew from the beginning that if we were positive, everyone else would be positive,” recalled Joanne. “I told my other kids, Casey is going to do everything you do, just a little slower.”
After receiving early-intervention services, Casey was ready to start school. The goal was again to stay positive and find an environment where Casey would learn and grow to her full potential. Joanne thoroughly researched public and private school options, visiting programs and talking with administrators.
The clear choice was our school in Chatham. “It was comfortable, safe and a warm environment,” said Joanne.” You could tell they had the students’ best interests at heart.”
Casey has been enrolled there since age 6, and has thrived, making friends and developing her academic skills.
This is another milestone school year. Casey is almost 21 and set to graduate in June! She is on the cusp of a new beginning. The family is exploring all the options for Casey, from working to a day program to some sort of college experience.
“She is so excited about graduating,” said Joanne about the future. “She needs to be busy, active and with friends.”
Jada’s Story
Jada has been enthusiastically talking to family, friends, and teachers about moving to Florida, working at a Publix grocery store, and living with her grandma after she graduates in June.
This plan wouldn’t seem unusual for a “typical” 21-year-old looking forward to making a big life change after graduation. But it’s not realistic for Jada, a student at our school in Ho-Ho-Kus.
Jada was born legally blind and later diagnosed with scoliosis and cognitive impairments. After a brief time in public school, Jada enrolled at ECLC at age 6, where she has excelled! “We just fell in love with the staff. They made us feel so comfortable,” said her dad, Dino.
She competes in Special Olympics, performs at school shows and won a seat on the Student Council. All of this is well beyond what her mom, Jodi, thought possible years ago when Jada was a little girl.
Now, in her final year of school, Jada, 21, is preparing for adulthood. She is “job sampling” at two assisted living facilities and elsewhere to continue developing workplace and social skills. The family has started looking into post-graduate, day programs. They’re also beginning to delve into the government benefits Jada can apply for as an adult.
Dino is cautious when thinking about her future. “We would like to see her in some type of work because she loves to be with people and loves being the center of attention,” said Dino. “But in a new environment, she tends to be clingy because of her visual impairment and navigating unfamiliar spaces.”
Jada is learning to navigate another challenge this school year. She no longer has a paraprofessional supporting her throughout the school day for the first time. The extra support was removed as part of her transition into the adult world. “She won’t have a para as an adult,” said Dino. “It gave us comfort to know someone was with her all day at school, one-on-one. So, this will take getting used to for her and for us.” In the first weeks of school, it’s been a smooth transition. “She is so happy and excited to be back at school,” said Dino.