Sharing “I CAN!” Attitudes: Emily
by
PSN Team 
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Emily is a 5 1/2 year old with multiple labels. She is non-verbal, but, has her own unique way of communicating with eye gazing, facial expressions and body motions. Many people tend to underestimate her intellectual abilities because she cannot and does not speak like we are accustomed to. Emily has just entered into kindergarten this fall at a new school with new teachers, therapist, and para-professionals that know nothing about her. Within the second week of school, Emily was being asked questions regarding a visual story lesson that the teacher had just taught the children. Emily was asked four questions relating to the story. Emily answered each of the four questions correctly using a combination of eye gazing and adapted switches for her answers. The teacher was so proud that Emily got all four answers correct! As a parent, I actually cried when I heard this! I was so excited that Emily was able to show others in her own way what I already know – that she gets it all! Even though she is non-verbal, and her fine motor skills are so delayed that she has a difficult time even operating the most simple switches, she did it – she exhibited her \”I CAN\” attitude! P.S. did I mention that Emily has intractable seizures and has hundreds of them daily!
~ Kristy Kargel (Proud Mom)
Peddling On
My little guy tried an adaptive trike for the first time and instead of shutting down and pretending to sleep, he pushed through and with the help of therapists, he peddled.
~ Jamie Barnes (Proud Mom)
Yes! You Can!
Last year when some boys asked him to play basketball, he said, “Mom, I can do this” and I said “yes you can son!! Have fun!!”
~ Belinda Chatman (Proud Mom)
Yet again! I will
Ainsley has re-learned to walk 4 times in her short 5 years of life. The last time, she was in the rehab unit of our children’s hospital and no one thought she would even be able to stand again. Despite the odds, and her medical issues, she took the handles of a walker, giggled, and took several steps by herself. Clearly, although nonverbal, she was telling us she could do it . . . yet again!
~ Lisa Higgins (Proud Mom)
Share a Proud Moment with us Next Issue!
Proud Moments can be any time that you have been extremely proud of your child with special needs. I t can be when they are giving it their a ll or reaching a milestone. We share Triumphs every Tuesday on Facebook or send via email to [email protected]
Emily Kargel exhibits an “I CAN” attitude
Photo courteousy chrissiemariephotography.com
Inspired by Angela M. Ruzicka, Author of: Wendy on Wheels Goes to the Beach.
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This post originally appeared on our November/December 2010 Magazine
