11/1/2009
Around that time, a friend recommended ACCESS Group. The staff there opened so many doors for us, answering questions that no one else was really able to answer. We knew right away that Brandon belonged at ACCESS. It's been our gift - our reason for being in Arkansas.Everyday Life
We don't think Brandon's diagnosis has changed our lives all that much. We have been involved in the schools he's attended, but we would have done that anyway. We do feel that because of Brandon's disability, our whole family is more aware of the challenges that people with disabilities face. We think it's made us better people - more understanding, more respectful and not as quick to judge others. Just understanding what Brandon can and can't do because of his disability is a challenge that we've had and will always have. We push him to do his best in everything he does but have to remember that he does have a disability and is going to have a tougher time achieving the things a child without a disability would. Brandon is a super kid. He never gives up and always works hard to do his best. He enjoys school and is learning important job skills, life skills and social skills. Any opportunity for him to be in charge of something brings a huge smile to his face. It brings out his confidence, pride and effort to succeed like you have never seen. He's been allowed many opportunities to be a leader, from working the cash register at the semiannual ACCESS Gardens plant sales to participating in the local and regional Special Olympics 50-meter dash and softball throw. Special Olympics is one of our favorite times of the year. It's Brandon's time to shine and for all of us to be proud of his accomplishments. The Next Chapter
Brandon recently turned 17, and we are considering what's next. Will he go to college or straight to a job? Will he continue to live at home or somewhere on his own? All parents are faced with these decisions when their children reach this age, but it's a little more complicated when your child has a disability. As hard as it is to push kids with disabilities to be their best, we have to challenge them. It's amazing what these kids can accomplish. It's frightening to turn them out into the world, but as parents, it's our job. The world needs to know what we know about our kids: that they have the ability to change the world.
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