Augusta Family Magazine July 2020 by Augusta Family Magazine

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A U G U S TA

ANNUAL

Special NEEDS DIRECTORY CELEBRATING AIKEN COUNTY

GRADUATES

augustafamily.com

Child Health Services East Central Health District

Child Health services are continuing to help you through telephonic visits, teletherapy, etc.

CARE

NEWBORN

MONTHS

KNOW THE SIGNS. TAKE ACTION The first three years of life is marked by incredible growth in all areas of a child’s development.

NEWBORN Eats well Turns to your voice Sucks, swallows + breathes well

MONTHS Brings hands to mouth Babbles Responds to affection

MONTHS Smiles Responds to sounds Holds head up

MONTHS Sits up without support Plays with others

MONTHS Picks up cereal O’s Understands “no”

MONTHS Mimics your actions Speaks 2-3 words

MONTHS Drinks from a Cup Waves “bye-bye”

MONTHS Points to 1 body part Eats with a spoon

MONTHS Kicks a ball Speaks in short sentences

15 18 MONTHS

MONTHS

24 MONTHS

MONTHS

EAST CENTRAL HEALTH DISTRICT - 6 CHILD HEALTH

1916 North Leg Rd. Augusta, GA 30909 | 706-667-4757

Visit ecphd.com for more information

on the cover

JULY 2020

As shown below: Leanna Heider (15) Photo by Chris Thelen

w w w.a u g ust afa m i l y. co m

PUBLISHER

Ashlee Griggs Duren

EDITOR

Aimee Serafin

ART DIRECTOR

Michael Rushbrook

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Lisa Dorn

ADVERTISING SALES Doressa Hawes Mary Porter Vann

CIRCULATION/MARKETING Kimberly Stewart

PHOTOGRAPHY Chris Thelen

CONTRIBUTORS

Dr. Ron Eaker Dr. Dana Harris Kim Beavers, MS, RD, CDE Paige Tucker Dustin Turner Cammie Jones Meredith Flory Josh Heath A Publication of MCC Magazines, LLC A division of Morris Communications Company, LLC | 725 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901 Morris Communications Company, LLC William S. Morris III, Chairman Craig S. Mitchell, CEO MCC Magazines Tina Battock, Executive Director Scott Ferguson, Director – Finance & Operations Sherry Brown, Director of Manufacturing & Production Veronica Brooks, Accounting Manager Michelle Rowe, Circulation Business Manager

Augusta Family Magazine is published 9 times per year and distributed throughout the Augusta and Aiken area. Send press releases, story ideas or comments to the editor at aimee.serafin@ augustafamily.com or mail to 725 Broad Street, Augusta, Ga., 30901. For advertising information, call (706) 823-3702. For circulation/ distribution, call (706) 828-4391.

Is your child ready for their “close up?” If you think you’ve got a “cover kid,” submit their photo and information to aimee.serafin@augustamagazine. com, and they may grace the cover of Augusta Family Magazine.

4 � AUGUSTA FAMILY | JULY 2020

Facebook.com/ augustafamilymagazine

@AUGFamilyMag

We look forward to hearing from you; visit our website www.augustafamily.com and on facebook and twitter.

contents www.augustafamily.com

Special Needs Directory

A Mother’s Reality of Raising a Child with Special Needs —Dr. Dana Harris

Eating Well with Kim

—Aimee Serafin

Leanna Heider and Great Oak Equine Programs —Dustin Turner

Our Annual Guide

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Beauty and Bridle

The History of Succotash —Kim Beavers

July 2020

Graduating Students of 2020 Aiken County Graduates

Inspiration Station

Ask the Doctor

Smart Mom’s Guide

—Dr. Ron Eaker

—Cammie Jones

Music Therapist Hits the Right Note —Josh Heath

Cerebral Palsy and Pregnancy

Adopting a Special Needs Child

Editor’s Page

Mom to Mom

News & Notes

—Paige Tucker

The Modern Perspective Noah Williams —Aimee Serafin

AugustA FAmily | July 2020 • 7

editor’s notes J uly H ig H l ig H ts by Ai mee Seraf i n

hile living in Savannah, GA, I had the opportunity over two summer trips to volunteer with my mom at a special needs home in Tennessee. The adult residents of the home taught me invaluable life lessons. One of my takeaways was understanding how special needs individuals are similar to me in many ways: they like to engage, listen, laugh, sing and dance, take walks, swim, play sports, joke, love and be loved. I also found that one of the greatest attributes we possess as humans is the ability to live life authentically. This is a lesson most special needs kids seem to innately master— their candor is refreshing. We live in a world of people who possess distinct personalities and abilities. Outside appearances don’t always tell the complete story of who we are. This month, Augusta Family shares a snapshot of our local special needs community with personal stories and collections that we hope provide insight, resources and knowledge for our readers. Our special needs directory lists more than 100 support groups and medical centers in and around Augusta for families of special needs kids. Augusta Family’s staff spent the day with cover subject, Leanna Heider, at Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs in Aiken where we discovered the value of equine therapy through trained horses and attentive staff members. Longtime feature writer, Dr. Dana Harris, shares a personal piece that will educate and

8 • AugustA FAmily | July 2020

touch hearts. The Smart Mom’s Guide contains steps of preparedness if you are considering a special needs adoption and Josh Heath, our Inspiration Station writer, covers one local Augustan’s dream of helping others through the therapy of music. I hope you enjoy reading Augusta Family’s special July issue!

Aimee Serafin aimee.serafin@augustafamily.com

mom to mom

Pa i ge Tu c ker

Lemons?! We Got This!

ife gave us some BIG lemons, and, boy, are the moms out there making some sweet lemonade. Quarantine has stretched us in ways we did not know we could bend. It expanded our job description and, overnight, millions of mothers added homeschool teacher to their resumes. Many had to juggle multiple children (and their various website logins and passwords!) in different grades and schools. One minute we were nurturing our children, the next we raced to meet grown-up deadlines. Whether working outside the home in essential jobs or figuring out how to work from home with the children, none of it was easy! But moms always find a way to make life beautiful amidst the chaos. When the world came to a screeching halt, suddenly more opportunities emerged to spend time as a family. It has been a joy to see how families are gathering together while coping with this crisis. Months ago, I shared my heart on my baby girl going off to kindergarten. I wasn’t ready to “let her grow up.” Julia Reynolds had a fabulous year with amazing teachers she adores. She learned to read and write, and many other life lessons from kindergarten. Her last two months of school were spent at “Mommy Kindergarten”, as we called it, along with some taxing transitions for mom and student. However, they say children are resilient. They say they bounce back. In last August’s article, I wrote about the kindergarten experience: I know Julia Reynolds will have a handful of earlier memories, but it’s crazy to think this will be a year that will go into her forever memory bank. I believe that 2020 will weave some good moments into the rich tapestry of childhood we all share. While parents are wondering what will become of our world, I would like to think our children are thinking about the next snuggle, or bike ride or recess. And for the older kids, when can I take a study break and get back in my bed? This pandemic is a thief. It has stolen birthday parties, weddings, even funerals. It affected high school and college commencements for students who worked so hard. It wiped out kindergarten graduation. But you know what? Coronavirus has given some things, too. It has afforded us time. It has made families figure out how to be together. We have played and picnicked, sheltered and loved. And, though we share this weird love/hate relationship with the pandemic, there is an appreciation for the universe pressing the pause button. It is as if God shook our collective shoulders and forced us to slow down. It is, oh, so painful, but things were quickly put in perspective. A lesson I learned is that life is unpredictable. So, for the future, I choose to remember and treasure every present moment. I will find beauty in a small girl’s reluctance to hurry up and get in the car and be on time for school. I will savor a meal together, a conversation at the grocery store, a hug. That is the point, right? We are looking for the silver lining in the now. Life dealt us a humongous lemon and we can choose to squeeze every ounce of lemonade possible. So, keep squeezing. Keep hugging. And keep agreeing with other moms out there that we got this! After twelve years in local news, most recently as evening anchor of NBC 26, Paige Tucker is now a work-at-home mom and freelance journalist. She produces two series for NBC 26 TV, First Responders and 26 Women Today, and you can see those stories on Tuesday nights. Paige and her husband have one daughter, Julia Reynolds, who is five years old.

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news&notes J U LY 2 0 2 0

10 ï¿½ AUGUSTA FAMILY | JULY 2020

news&notes

App-Tastic!

365 Days

Proloquo2Go

By Saren Angelika

What do you notice when you pass by? Is it my bright eyes with smiles

Photo courtesy of www.assistiveware.com

an ocean-wide,

Proloquo2Go is an Augmentative and Alternate Communication (AAC) app that enables children and adults with speech impediments to better express themselves. Users build language skills by learning to communicate through a visual vocabulary. The app is designed for a range of fine-motor and visual skills and it is customizable, even with realistic accents to create distinct user voices. Based on studies showing that just 200-400 words make up 80% of communication, AssistiveWare created an app that houses these core words as a starting point for impaired users. They can choose from 25,000 symbols or even include personal photos in their comprehensive communications library. The team at Proloquo2Go encourages families to sign up for their newsletter to be among the first to know about discounts available twice a year for the app. They also work directly with families who have recommendations from a speech pathologist for the use of the app for their child. For more information visit, www.assistiveware.com/products/proloquo2go or www.facebook.com/proloquo2go/.

Or the orthopedic bars helping support my knees?

What do you hear when we first meet? Is it the tone of my voice, the inflections of my distinct sound, Or is there a rush to perceive the delays of my mind?

What do you consider about me? Is a hurried “hi” or a quick glance Just enough, Or will you spend a little time, In the opportunities 365 days a year

ACC AID | Cost: $249.99 | iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch www.assistiveware.com/products/proloquo2go

Where I am To be seen, known and heard.

Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness. — Lucius Annaeus Seneca AugustA FAmily | July 2020 • 11

news&notes

book review: EyElEss Mind, A MEMoir About sEEing And bEing sEEn By AIMEE SErAFIn

It was not until Sebastian was 15 that the Duesing family discovered he had Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment, or CVI. CVI is a bilateral impairment stemming from damage to the brain versus damage to the eyes. In other words, the brain can not interpret what the eyes see. Since CVI is atypical in its manifestation of symptoms— Sebastian Duesing tracked as an infant and showed no signs of bumping into walls or questionable coordination and accuracy in sports like diving or water polo or art— it made it difficult for Stephanie Duesing and her husband to recognize any red flags. Sebastian was a straight-A student whose intellect advanced him one grade up in grade school, and none of his teachers noticed any atypical sight issues. There were no signs of visual impairment. In her book, “Eyeless Mind, A Memoir about Seeing and Being Seen”, Stephanie explains how her son’s disability left her with a lifetime of guilt over “abandoning” him beginning in Kindergarten. Stephanie did not understand that leaving her son at such a tender age stranded him in a world where his compromised vision caused great anxiety and fear as he tried to navigate the fuzz of images in his brain. Because there were no typical signs of blindness and Sebastian learned very quickly to self-adapt, he appeared like every other kindergartner his age, just with a heightened sense of separation anxiety. For many kids who suffer from CVI, there is little recollection on the brain’s part to remember their surroundings. They may visit the same grocery story one thousand times, but each trip requires pre-set memorizations to navigate the unfamiliar surroundings. In Sebastian’s case, he relied heavily on words and counting to know how to get home from school and identify faces. His mother explains in the book how her son “sees” her face as “tall, blonde, glasses” and how he memorizes turns and steps at every new school. Sebastian’s brain created a

different way of imaging. Unable to reproduce familiar recognition from his sight, he became the first person known to fill the gaps of information in his brain with personalized words and calculated steps. In essence, he processes vision verbally. Stephanie tracks her deep frustration through the book in trying to get their voices heard by the medical industry. Although CVI is the most common cause of visual impairment in children aged 1-3 (www.childrenshospital.org), it does not have a medical diagnostic code, and in the Duesing’s case it took doctor’s visits “in the triple digits” to finally find the needle in the haystack: a medical scan revealed Sebastian had a massive stroke in utero (www. dailyherald.com). One of the reasons Stephanie decided to write “Eyeless Mind, A Memoir about Seeing and Being Seen” is to bring awareness to CVI and its often misdiagnosis in the medical community. Today, Sebastian attends the School of the Art Institute in Chicago where he is studying studio art and art history. Although his paintings evoke a richness in the use of image and color, Sebastian says he is in the exploring stages of his medium. And while the 18-year-old has accomplished things most 50-year-olds have not, it seems there is space ahead of him for his artwork and personal story to be seen and heard. Three aviary images from his small section of artwork for sale on his website drew my attention. The graphite detailing of the neck and head feathers in Maggie is reminiscent of MC Escher’s use of patterns to make single images stand out. Mimi 3 shows a bold combination of Georgia O’Keefean colors weaving circles around the parrot’s eye, and the artist’s ability to open up his hand with looser jabs of color and form in Ariel hint at future flexibility of mediums. They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder— subjective to sight. Sebastian’s art certainly provokes a deeper meaning of both sight and beauty in this truth.

To view Sebastian’s artwork, visit: www.augustafamily.com. For more information on CVI (Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment), visit: www. childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/c/cortical-visual-impairment/symptoms-and-causes.

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SAFE KIDS FAST FACTS KEEPING CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS SAFE Preventing injuries and harm is not very different for children with disabilities compared to children without disabilities. To keep all children safe, parents and caregivers need to know and learn about what health concerns or special conditions are unique for their child, plan ways to protect their child and share the plan with others, and remember that their child’s needs for protection will change over time. Parents or caregivers can talk to their child’s doctor or healthcare professional and teacher about a safety plan. Once established, explain the plan to your child and share it with other caregiving adults. “Equip children with a bracelet or shoe tie that alerts first responders to a child with special needs. Relate safety messages to a child with stories and pictures to explain dangers”, said Renée McCabe, RN, BSN, SafeKids Greater Augusta Coordinator at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia.

BURNS • Turn down the water heater to 120 degrees, most are set at 140 degrees which is too hot for children who have thinner skin. Anti-scald devices can be used on faucets. • Use back burners and turn pan handles inward. • Keep hot liquids away from the edge of the counter. • Supervise children around microwaves and do not allow them to reach up and remove food, as it can spill and cause scalds.

FIRE • Install smoke alarms on every level of the house and in each

bedroom. Check the units monthly and change the batteries yearly. Some children may require specialized smoke detectors with strobe lights, voice recordings or vibrations. • Call the local Fire Station and alert them that you have a child with special needs at your address. • Create a fire escape plan with 2 ways to exit every room and establish a designated meeting place outside, then call 911. Designate a person to assist the child with special needs. If the child is immobile and needs to be transported downstairs, a blanket or sled may be needed. Teach to “get low and go” if there is smoke.

• Teach children to never go in or near the water without an adult. • Take adaptive aquatic classes (available through Parks and Rec or the YMCA).

FALLS

CHOKING

• • • •

• Remove items around the house that are choking hazards. Use a small parts tester or toilet paper tube. If it can fit inside the tube, it is a choking hazard. • Avoid feeding children small round foods or cut into small pieces and supervise (i.e., hotdogs, candy, nuts, grapes, popcorn). Also, avoid latex balloons; use mylar instead. • Teach children to eat slowly and not run or play when eating.

Install grab bars and handrails, as needed. Remove area rugs. Clear areas of clutter and electrical cords. Secure furniture with straps and brackets to prevent tipovers. Do not place TVs on top of dressers.

WATER • Purchase the right life jacket, an adaptive life jacket may be needed. • Assure the caregiver is always within arm’s reach around pools, open water, hot tubs, bathtubs and toilets. • Put locks on toilet lids. • Empty standing water from bathtubs, buckets and kiddie pools.

POISON • Keep medicines and toxic household products out of sight and reach. • Install child locks on cabinets. • Do not take medications in the presence of a child. • Teach children that medicine can look like candy but is harmful.

Safe Kids Greater Augusta, led by the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the leading killer of children ages 1 to 19. Safe Kids Greater Augusta is a member of the Safe Kids Worldwide network. To find out more about the local Safe Kids program, call 706-7217606, or visit augustahealth.org/safekids. Check out more safety tips, the Ultimate Car Seat Guide and “Parent Pep Talk” at SafeKids.org.

A U G U S TA

AUGUSTA FAMILY | JULY 2020 � 13

eating well with kim

Photo provided by Kim Beavers

K i m Be avers

The History of Succotash

here is good reason to wonder about the original Thanksgiving Day menu items. Many dishes of the Pilgrims and Wampanoags’ first meal remain

unknown, except for the possibility of succotash. Succotash was a Native American staple served as a stew of summerfresh or winter-dried corn, making it a year-round choice for gatherings. The word showed up in 1751 from the Narragansett Indian term “misckquatash” which meant “boiled whole kernels of corn” and referred to a simmering pot of corn to which other ingredients were added. Pots of early succotash could contain pieces of meat or fish. The post-Colonial agrarian stew has evolved into a modernday summer side dish consisting mainly of corn and any variety of beans like lima, butter or navy. Inexpensive to make and colorful to the eye, succotash took up residence on tables across America as a protein-based and vegetable tagalong to meat and potatoes. Made fresh, succotash is a festive addition to grilled chicken or seared fish. Kim Beavers is a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator for University Health Care System. She is the co-host of the culinary nutrition segment Eating Well with Kim, which airs at noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday on WRDW. To be notified of new recipes join Kim’s facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/ eatingwellwithkim.

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Summer Succotash

I love this dish because it is light and fresh and always reminds me of hot summer days. Serve it as a cold salad or at room temperature with fish or chicken. 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock 2 cups fresh or frozen butterbeans or lima beans 2 cups fresh corn, cut off the cob

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 1 tablespoon olive oil ½ cup fresh basil leaves

Bring stock to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add butterbeans and simmer for about 4 minutes or until tender. Using a slotted spoon, remove beans and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add corn to stock and allow to cook for 2 to 3 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain corn and transfer to a bowl. Add tomatoes, vinegar and olive oil to bean mixture and season with salt to taste. Allow to sit at room temperature until ready to serve. Just before serving, thinly slice basil and toss with succotash to combine. Yield: 4 servings Nutrient Breakdown: Calories200, Fat 4.5g (0.5g saturated fat); Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 40mg, Carbohydrate 33g, Fiber 6g, Protein 8g. Percent Daily Value: 10% Iron, 4% Calcium, 10% Vitamin A, 30% Vitamin C Carbohydrate Choices: 2 Carbohydrates Diabetes Exchange Values: 2 Starches, 1 Fat The recipe is used with permission from Southern My Way: Simple Recipes, Fresh Flavors by Gena Knox, available on Amazon.

ask the doctor Dr. Ro n Eaker

Cerebral Palsy and Pregnancy

erebral Palsy is a condition that begins with a brain insult leading to abnormal development of certain areas especially related to muscle control and movement. The damage is often permanent, so the condition is not cured in the typical sense of the word but is managed depending on the severity and nature of the symptoms. For years, many doctors (and lawyers) thought that a major cause of cerebral palsy was a lack of oxygen during the birth process. As an obstetrician, I can tell you that this possibility kept me up at night. First and foremost was the complete determination to thwart any situation that might result in any newborn suffering any trauma during birth, and secondly knowing that if an infant was diagnosed as having cerebral palsy, a shroud of suspicion would envelop the labor attendants. Now, however, most scientists agree that only a small minority of infants with cerebral palsy attain that condition due to a birth issue. It is widely recognized that the insult leading to cerebral palsy can occur before birth (in utero) during birth, in the early neonatal period or the first few years of life as the brain is developing. Some estimates show up to 90% of infants with cerebral palsy having developed it during gestation. What makes this maddening for both doctors and parents is that, in many cases, one specific cause is hard to identify. Conclusive tests show if the problem arose during the pregnancy, but they say nothing about a particular cause, or even what stage in the pregnancy the issue arose. There is always frustration in the unknowns, especially in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world where we look to medicine for the answers, but the fact is that for most instances we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say definitively what causes the problem. However, we know certain things can increase the risk for an infant developing congenital cerebral palsy. It is valuable to examine these scenarios. Honestly, it is all you can do when it comes to prevention in this instance. Premature births, especially when accompanied by low birth weight, are associated with CP. It seems that delivery beyond 32 weeks of gestation provides a bit of protection. There are many things that premature babies struggle with related to getting the right amount of

16 â&#x20AC;˘ AugustA FAmily | July 2020

oxygen to the still-developing brain. Babies born with a birth weight of under 3 pounds 5 ounces (1500g) also seem to have a greater risk of CP. Preterm delivery and low birth weight are directly related, so sometimes there is overlap in causes, again making a specific incident difficult to distinguish. Another related, yet separate risk factor is multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.). I suspect that this is because, very often, multiple gestations result in either low birth weight or preterm delivery Another surprising and unsuspected risk factor is in infertility treatments. Statistically, women who undergo assisted reproductive techniques such as in-vitro fertilization or the use of fertility-enhancing drugs have an increased risk of an infant with CP compared to the general population. However, it is imperative to keep these statistics in context. The actual incidence of CP in women undergoing advanced infertility treatment is very low. According to the National Institute of Health, CP occurs in about 3 of every 1000 births in women treated with in-vitro fertilization. An area gaining more attention now is infections during pregnancy. It has been long known that viruses and pathogens that cross the placenta can set up an infection in the baby potentially leading to CP. Common examples are chickenpox, rubella (German measles), and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Certain maternal medical problems are also associated with CP. These include thyroid problems, seizures disorders and intellectual disabilities. Please remember this is largely applicable to people whose thyroid condition is out of control or undetected. Women whose thyroid problems are properly balanced are at no greater risk. It should be apparent from the risk factors that the best prevention tool for women who are contemplating pregnancy or who are already pregnant is to be in the best health possible. It should also be apparent that most causes of CP are not preventable, and feelings of guilt or shame are never warranted.

Dr. Eaker is an Augusta Ob/GYN and author. He and his wife, Susan, have two daughters in college.

Providing hope and encouragement for moms who have children with special needs Visit our website at anchoredsouls.org Follow us on Social Media: @anchoredsoulsministries

smart mom’s guide C a m m i e Jo n es

Adopting a Special Needs Child

atie and Steve Conner adopted a four-year-old Bulgarian boy with Down Syndrome about 10 years ago. Katie remembered a dream she had ten years before the adoption. It was of a small boy in someone else’s arms reaching out to her. She mentioned the dream to her husband the following morning. As life got busy, the Conners added five more biological children to their family and the dream was forgotten. But, the nudge to adopt never left. Years later, Katie and Steve were looking at a special needs adoption site called Reece’s Rainbow when they spotted a young boy who reminded Katie of the boy in her dream. His name was Gabriel. Katie knew that Gabriel was meant to be part of their family. Although everyone’s story is different when deciding to adopt a child with special needs,

18 • AugustA FAmily | July 2020

there are some important things to consider, and the “nudge” is one of the most important.

The poinT of deparTure A first step is to sit down with your spouse to discuss the decision. Once you are both in agreement, it is good to write down the benefits and drawbacks of adopting. Be honest with yourself and with each other. The Conners had to weigh the reality that they would never achieve an “empty nest.” Now Katie says she cannot envision life any other way— she loves when her adult children come home and ask first to see Gabe. She also adds that she and her husband prayed about the decision. “For us, it was a faith-based decision,” she says.

The process Educate yourself on the adoption process by looking into local and international agencies and sites online. Make phone calls to find out about the process. What is the cost? Will travel be involved if the adoption is out of state or international? Check your health insurance to determine how to add a child and what is included in your plan. Detailed research at the beginning will avoid any unfortunate surprises along the way. The scope It is crucial to research and understand syndromes and disabilities to see what health needs your child may have and how you are going to address those needs. Below are a few common circumstances and disorders (10 Things to Know About Special Needs Adoption, adoption.com) that may affect your special needs child:

feel that you cannot handle a unique illness or syndrome. Pay attention to gut feelings when completing this portion. Intuition and honesty are the best markers for both adoptive child and parent. The Conners always felt a pull towards children with Down Syndrome so they focused their search inside that parameter. There are also practical issues to consider. Katie and Steve live in a two-story home so a child in a wheelchair would not be the best fit for their family. Another piece of advice they suggested was to tackle the overwhelming paperwork and endless checklists one day at a time. “Take one next step— if I could do one small thing a day like send an email or make one phone call to help the process move along, I felt that I was helping,” advises Katie. The review

Abuse and Neglect ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) Autism Bipolar Disorder Cerebral Palsy (CP) Cleft Lip/Cleft Palate Down Syndrome Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Spina Bifida (SB)

Once the home study is completed and all paperwork turned in, you will receive a referral from the agency. The adoption agency pairs you with a particular child that matches your preferences. Open the child’s medical file and, again, take your time and do your investigative work. Allow your family doctor or a specialist to look at the file and offer any suggestions or advice regarding care. The medical information may or may not be extremely thorough so do the best you can to form a picture in your mind. According to adoption.org, “Even the most detailed medical records may miss something. As with a child you gave birth to or a child by way of adoption, you can never truly know what lies ahead.”

The communiTy

The adjusTmenT

Talk with parents who have adopted special needs children. Ask about local support groups in your area. Meet with parents of adopted special needs children to see what a normal day in the life of their home looks like. Once you decide on adoption, sign up for support groups that specialize in your child’s specific needs. Find other children the same age as playmates. Contact your pediatrician for additional resources and support as you navigate this new and exciting territory.

Adopting a special needs child is not always easy and there will be good and bad days. The adjustment period could last six months to a few years as your adopted child gets used to the new family environment. The family dynamics will change particularly if siblings are involved. Conner says, “If you have other children, be respectful of their concerns and fears. Listen to them, validate their thoughts and do what you can to reassure them.” Also, let them know that it is okay to talk about any concerns or problems. Showing love to your child will far outweigh any parenting mistakes or hiccups along the journey. “Be prepared for the blessings that are to come because they are extraordinary,” adds Conner. She says adopting a child with special needs has added richness and unity to their family. She says they have become better people— more compassionate, more creative and more open to people who are not just like them. “These children have increased our capacity for love and therefore our capacity for joy,” she says.

The preference checklisT/home sTudy “As an adoptive couple, you have the opportunity (or should I call it a responsibility?) to complete a Preference Checklist as part of your home study. A Preference Checklist is an exhaustive list of physical disabilities, mental disorders, and other special needs,” says Candise Gilbert, author of “How We Decided Which Special Needs Boxes to Check on Our Preference Checklist,” adoption. com. She goes on to advise that couples must use this list to determine if they are willing to be considered for children with these conditions. It is encouraged, and advised, to check “no” if you

Cammie Jones is an Augusta freelance writer and mother of three.

AugustA FAmily | July 2020 • 19

2020 Physiciansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Directory Look for the Physiciansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Directory online at augustamagazine.com and have contact information at your fingertips for Augusta and Aiken area physicians and dentists. Database is searchable by both specialty and by name. Brought to you by Augusta Magazine.

CLASS OF

2020

A SPECIAL SECTION OF

CONGRATULATIONS! AIKEN COUNTY GRADUATES

G R A D U AT I N G C L A S S O F 2 0 2 0 AIKEN HIGH SCHO OL

REBEKAH KENDAL MOSS Valedictorian

HANNAH NICOLE WHEELAND Salutatorian

Tianna Ashanti Ayssia Abney Kamila Marilu Alarcon Chanceler Darrell Anderson Christian Lindsay Anderson Colby Alexander Anderson Duwonna Nashya Arnold Sarai Baez Amelia Teresa Barrett Andrea Nicole Battles Morgan Elizabeth Baughman Brice Roberds Bennett Simon Piers Berry Evann D’Angelo Bibbs Jaria Shanique Blakely Juliana Skye Bogar Elijah JaQuan Bonaparte Mary Catherine Boone Alexandros Jason Bourdouvalis Robert Rushton Bowles Emma Claire Braun Tianna Alise Braxton Nova Anne Brewer Cato Johnson Brinkley Tyler David Bryan Makenzie Jade Bryant Jayla Mackensy Bulluck Carly Hughes Burgess Maven Rose Busby Alexander Sterling Bush Cliffton Jakobe Bush George Antwan Bussey Daniel Maximino Bustos Jaheim Butler Zarria Roneshia Butler Gavin William Cadden Twy’La Shauntrell Cade Jhone’ La’Maria Callaham John Dean Callan Carson Gregory Campbell Carolyn Elaine Carpenter

22 � AUGUSTA FAMILY | JULY 2020

Thomas James Carr aNiah Je’Well Carter Janiya Tiera Carter Shelby Victoria Carver Garrett Martin Cates Zachary Alimpulos Chaney Coleman Myles Chappell Adrian Markell Chavous Jack Austin Clark Jacob Ryan Clark Brandon Alexander Clements Jordan Archer Cline Christian Alexander Collins Gabriel Nicholas Collins Monica Elizabeth Colon-LaBorde Addison Zane Compton Charly Nichole Cooper Chylie Lashawn Copley Sincere Kelzyion Corbitt Monica Danielle Cordell Reginald Terrence Corley Jr Jyniria Tinese Corley Taylionte’ Deamia Crafton Bryson Alexander Craig Bryson Alexander Craig Jackson Emery Crain Zabrianna Na’cole Creech James Brown Crenshaw II Aaliyah Roxie Cullum Elaina Simone Cummings Tanasia Monique Cunningham Angel Lynn Davenport Hunter Lee Davidson Kathryn Elisabeth Davis Laniya Starr Davis William Benjamin Dean Jr Brandi Maceda DeHaven Coleman Marcus DeWitt Leonard Francisco Diaz Jr Kristina Ann Dickert Emilie Elizabeth Doherty Caleb Montgomery Doolittle Jasmine Alicia Dowdy Konnor William Driscoll Annisia Moneta Dunbar Dalton Lee Dunson Courtlyn Denise Edwards Nya Denise Edwards Blye Breeden Eichenberg Cassius Uvos Elam Jr Katelyn Elaine Elmore Karly Cheyenne Emanuel Bryson Alexander Epperly Shabazz Antonio Etheredge Donelle Janae Eubanks Anjoria Campbell Evans Cameron Nicole Falu Christian Jovanni Falu Alex James Fanning Stacy Lee Farmer I Chris Jordan Farrow William Avery Dixon Ferron Brianna Alexis Fields Tyler David Fields Lucas William Fiscus Alexander Flores Flores Dawson Owen Fulghum Rikasia Burneise Fullard Olivia Grace Gaillard Kelli Kadaisha Gallman Derrick Jermel Gamble Kiersten Machelle Gantt Cartrell Tyriq Garnett Charles David Glennie Cameron Demetrius Glover Ryan Neal Goldman Christine Marie Green Peyton Lane Grice Sela McGee Groomes Eva Guerrero Chacon Caroline Maureen Gunter Kylie Elizabeth Hackenberg Keyonna Alexis Hadsall Haley Brooke Hall Madison Leigh Hall Rylee Morgan Hall Ayana Miracle Hallingquest Anthony Tyrique Hammond Chloe Elizabeth Hammond Shanti Adia Hampton Luke Gabriel Hamrick Timothy Ian Everett Hancock Tyriona Monque Hankinson Aniyah Shanice Hardy Marlee Rebecca Hare Terrance Lamont Hayward Jr Israel Negrete Hernandez

Charles Mark Herring Jr. McKenna Claire Herrmann James Dalton Herron Victor Scott Herron Jacob Ryan Hibbitts Victoria Elizabeth Hill Rowan Mcrae Hiner Latricia Ashanti Hodge Christian Jeffery Holley Kyron Devonte’ Holmes Addam William Holsenback Robert Skylar Hopper Dylan Frank House Cullen Edward Hovey Kendric Dane Howard Jessica Dianne Hudson Colleen Elizabeth Huet Ginger Lynn Hutto Jonathan Daniel Hyche Porter Adele Ingram Chloe Elizabeth Jackson Elvina Teadasha Shayquawn James Jim Jarvis II Alanna Ruby Jendraszek Bryanna Michelle Jenkins Keishawn Montell Jimerson Andrew Tynaris Johnson Brayley Rae Johnson Diavian Shaniece Johnson Jurheutha Dionea Johnson Kristjan Tamas Johnson Rashaad Emmanuel Johnson Sanavia Shidaise Johnson Tisha Shawana Johnson Travis Caiden Johnson Andrew Tynaris Johnson Charvis Jacquay Jones Damien Talik Jones Frederick Dylan Jones Javius Tyree Jones Ya’Kira Miasiah Jones Christopher Alexander Jordan Jacob Alan Joyner Nicholas Nolan Judd Savannah Claire Kelley Charles Timothy Key II India Irene Key Emily Diane Kiger Victoria Diane Kitchens Jasmine Jedidah Kitchings Zara Maria Lacera Kapono Marquis Lafayette-Johnson Sarah Grace Lambert Rachel Grey Larson Gavin Lee Layfield Jaden Crate Leaphart William Thomas Lederer Zoie Elise Ledoux Carson Rey LeMaster Daniel Raymond Lewis Tashaney Tenell Ling Bailee Elizabeth Lockhart Brianna Michelle Lopez Abigail Breana Lucas Chloe Elizabeth Lynch Sophie Rose Lyon Audrey Grace Mahoney Sydney Michelle Malyszek Brianna Mason DeNajea Jakiyah Mathis Mark Daniel Matteson Destiny Jacque Mays Lily Haynsworth McCarthy John Calvin McCaskill Stella Kendra Gayle McGeorge RaeQuan Jermaine McMillan Elizabeth Greer Merry Logan Matthew Meyer Carl Norris Milhouse Dylan Christopher Miller Sarah Ann Mitchum Benjamin Kelton Mixon Demira Patricia Ann Morrison Sadie Suesanne Morton Ryan Wade Moseley Jada Blake Mosley Rebekah Kendal Moss Melissa Ashlien Muns Theodore Franklin Muns Mary Megan Munschy Chandler Andrew Murray Olivia Rose Nation David Neal Jr. Madison Nicole Neeley David Viera Negrete Haileigh Michelle Nelson Zane Michael Neumar

David Conrad Neverson Jr. Spenser Hoyt Nichols Jocelyn Holley Norris Joseph Reeves Norton Alyssa Saige Odom Christian Aaron Odom Drevon Keith Odom Jasmine Alandrea Ortz Chloe Hayes Pack Darin Ryan Parker JerMya Shantel Pontoon Brandon David Pope Treshaun Loren Prupis Darius Javon Marquis Pugh Kniondria ZiBriale Quattlebaum Byron Alexander Quirk Joaquin Ramirez Devin Javoris Reddish Cecilia Breanna Rhoades Jonathan Langley Richards Eliza Wade Richards Gianna Dontinick Richardson William Russell Richardson Alexander Michael Robertson Alexander Jennings Robinson Harrison Isaiah Robinson LaToria Courtney Robinson Zadran Oesmon Shamar Robinson Taylor Kurtis Roe Scott Thomas Rostron Jordan Wesley Runnels Maddux Anne Runnels Julian Oscar Salas Felix Sanchez Valdez Luke Bryan Scanlon James Michael Scheetz Kestin Terrell Seawright Lauren Paige Shackleton Chandler Dale Sharp Hunter Caldwell Shealy Maria Sophia Siler Lexie Lamon Simmons Madelyn Nicole Simmons Natalie Jhania Simmons Lashawn Denise Simpkins David Carson Sitler Nolan Daniel Skiff Caleb Joshua Smith Elizabeth Girardeau Smith Natoria Sharell Smith Ross Thomas Smith Timyra Nijae Smith Victoria Michelle Smith Zachary Scott Snead Josey Nina Spencer Savannah Rose Spoon Chloe Addison Stafford Adrian Joshua Staley DeShawn Albert Staley Courtney Ashanti Sullivan Shiv Vikas Surti Kameron Demond Swann Niyah Aaliyah Ashanti Swinger Alea Joy Sypho Atkinson Spencer Bradford Terry Armani Najai Thomas Kywanna Renay Thomas ShaMyia D’Asia Thomas John Wesley Tucker II Ian Reagan Tucker Lucy Marie Tyrteos Jared Richard Uhle Ellen Olivia Vaughters Deajah Samone Walker Jordan Maxwell-Lee Walker Mae Elizabeth Walker Beyonce’ Shyanne Watson Chance Logan Watson Kaylee Cierra Westbrook Hannah Nicole Wheeland Nicholas Michael White Madeline Elizabeth Widener Tristen Allen Widener Sophia Danielle Wiemer Jacob Anthony Wilkerson Alexia Ja’Miah Williams DeAndre Kentravious Williams Jonisha Lakerra Shanta Williams Kaya Marie Williams Shadasha Jacequline Joeanna Williams Alexia Ja’Miah Williams Kalayla Gene Wilson Kayla Danielle Wolfe Davasey Aaron Woodward Isaac David Wright Raven Nicole Ziglar

G R A D U AT I N G C L A S S O F 2 0 2 0 MIDL AND VALLEY HIGH SCHO OL Angel Abney Eric Adams Luis Aguilar-Ayona Eloisa Agustin Carla Allen Mallorie Altman Tymetrice Andrades Christopher Arthur Casey Baker Walter Baker Kayle Barton Silas Barton Elizabeth Bates Joseph Bell Brantley Bennett Bradley Bevill Hannah Blackburn Richell Blue Kaleb Boatwright Elijah Boulware Brennon Boyd Luke Boyd Reagan Boyd Jaden Bright Kamya Brooks Zachary Brooks Chantelle Brown Gary Brown Mallory Brown Jackson Bryan Allison Bryant Madison Bryant Madison Butler Brandon Byrd Brayan Cabrera Torres Tamia Cade Cody Cain Ashlee Carter Nicholas Carver De’Avion Cave Robert Chamberlain Makaily Cheeks Tyson Clark Summer Clemons Genesis Cofer Maryanna Coffin Melody Collins Noah Cook Isiaha Corley Madison Courtney Matthew Cowart James Crosby Liam Culp Shakira Curry Willie Curry Jared Davis Kayla Davis Hailey Dingess Linsey Dominick Venice Douglas Jyheim Doyle Cara Dunagan Ivy Dyches Shelby Dyer Brent Edwards Hunter Ergle Jose Estrada Villa Tyler Eubanks Carson Evans Adam Fenn Emily Fischer Evie Fleischman Josee Fraser Dylan Frierson Brittani Galloway Luke Garnto Logan Geisler Elideth Gil Nunez

Danny Granade Amirrah Green Emily Gresham Jacquelynn Gresham Kerrigan Grey Cole Grice Elizabeth Guerrieri Anarria Hamlett Christina Harding Richard Harmon April Harris Kendall Hartley Kyle Hartley Lauren Hartley Mya Hartman Makayla Hawkins Patrick Hawkins Tanner Hay Daniel Henderson Pedro-Daniel Hernandez-Jacome Ryan Hicks Adin Hillman Glenn Holub Jessica Hudson Justin Hudson Lance Hudson Daniel Huerta Tiarra Huffman Justin Hutto Araceli Ibarra Dalevin Jackson Dalevon Jackson Amanda Johnson Evan Johnson Jasmine Johnson Lakaila Johnson Macee Johnson Michael Johnson Dalton Jones Fletcher Jones Joshua Jones Kalyn Jones Shaun Jones Christopher Jowers Justen Judge Triniti Kelly Kayley Kendrick Ryan Kennedy Malaki Kessler Amanda Khakee Mearia Killings Isaiah King Alexa Knight Alexis Langley J’Aaron Larke Gabriel Lautzenheiser Kaylyn Lescault Chandller Lewis Bobby Lin Cstaniya Lovett Sarah Lunsford Patrick Malcom D’Ontrez Manning Alexis Martinez Cedillos Justin Mayes Errin Mays Austin Mayson Joshua McFee Tacovia McGee Theodore McLester Jordan Mealing Jocelyn Medina Johan Medina Beatriz Mendez Odaris Mendez Sergio Mendoza Marin MacKenzie Mercer Madison Mercer

Lizbeth Merino Angeles Terran Meriwether Devin Merritt William Mikell Jakob Miller Kailee Miller Tracey Miller Charles Minton Alexis Mitchell Evan Mixon Mark Molina Caleb Monday Alexander Montgomery Daniel Moreno Cameron Morris Marlie Morton Ty’kereya Moss Brenden Moyer Jenna Murphy Samantha Nappier Isaiah Joseph Norfleet Elaine Nunnery Julia Ocak Samantha Odom Lane Owenby Jessica Ann Owens Chandler Owensby Austin Paradise Manshi Patel Jessie Peacon Haley Pearson Jasmine Perez Jaramillo Autumn Phillips Jeanelle Pontoo Sarah Powell Kunjira Prathanthotsaporn Charity Prescott Zeke Proctor Adrienne Prupis Harper Puckett Katherine Ramirez Nikya Ravello Samuel Rendon Araseli Reyes Nalany Richardson Logan Richie Kelly Rios-Perez Stephen Roberts Taylor Robinson Abel Rocha Carlos Rodriguez Martrell Ross Tiffani Rowe Manisha Sah Shelby Salter Gabriela Sandoval-Valladares Sydney Saunders Jaden Saxer Anna Scott Colton Shealy Zachary Silas Zackary Sipes Hannah Sloan Daveoin Smith Jade Smith Tejunay Smith Amber Snipes Anabelle Snipes Brian Staley Matthew Standridge Kendrique Starlings Cameron Stephens Andrew Stone Ashlynn Stringfield Sinclaire Strom Mary Swygert Trenton Taylor Malik Taylor-Hester

PARKER ALEXANDER WELSH Valedictorian

MARY DENISE SWYGERT Salutatorian

Caroline Thompson Anthony Torres Kaitlyn Turner Tyler Turner Kaitlyn Verant Luis Villa-Estrada Corina Wade Aaliyah Walker Ja’Quan Walker Jada Walston Olivia Washington Christopher Way Zoie Weatherford A’Kirah Weathersbee Allison Weathersbee Parker Welsh Caitlyn Widener Antwamisia Williams De’Sean Williams Latonya Williams Duffy Willing Megan Willing Hunter Wilson Maggie Wilson Benjamin Wisham Robert Wood Christian Wright Keioryie Wright Kade Wyatt

AUGUSTA FAMILY | JULY 2020 � 23

G R A D U AT I N G C L A S S O F 2 0 2 0 NORTH AUGUSTA HIGH SCHO OL

BRAYDEN JACOB POORVIN Valedictorian

BARRET LEE SMOKER Salutatorian

Stephanie Acosta-Hernandez Will Andrew Adams De’More Deontrez Ma’l Aldrich Kathryn Dawn Aleman Kyree Jamar Lee Alexander Evan Harrison Allgood Kevin Brent Ansley Osvaldo Arias Castaneda Abigail Anita Ashe Katherine Grace Ashe Sunni Savannah Bagwell Alondria Eunique Bailey Ansley Jewell Barbee Dulce Reina Barraza Yasmin Nakelia Baskett Tristan Takitia Bauknight Kristin Renee Beach Samantha Nicole Benner William Seth Bickford Evan Austin Bishop Cassidy Miller Blackmon Tavis Jyree Blacks Avery Joseph Blyzes Garrett Reid Brandt Danielle Janae Brown Elizabeth Renee Brown Jamari Demontrez Brown Jenna Mallory Brown Haleigh Madison Brownlee Joel Havird Bryant Jr. Carly Ann Buck Christian Lawrence Bumpus Edward Joseph Burch

Tyliah Shatrina Burns Sara Lynn Burton Delashia Jayla Busbee MeLena Dearmond Bush Amber Denise Byrd Omarion Mykel Jamal Byrd Dolphis Antonio Caldwell Joseph Davis Campbell Morgan-Carolyn Gracie Cantrell Arianna Elaine Carlan Baileigh Elyse Carney Jerez Marsuan Carree DaVera Leviticus Cartledge Edson Aldair Castro Bonilla Journee Leigh Catoe Emma Cazorla-Fernandez Lilith Chapman Emma Josephine Chartier Paige Analyn Chasm Colby Andrew Cochran Keonna Alexis Collier Kaleb Matthew Cooper Myles Anthony Cooper Madison Emilee Corley Michael Daniel Court Aden Alexander Cox Alondra Sanavia Cruz Larry Dylan Cunningham Traves De’shaun Dansby Taylor Alexandria Darville Krista Marie Davey Falcon Ulyesse Davis Jr. Odalis Yajaira De Avila Standly Dean Dicks Jr. Dakota Bryce Dixon Ethan Lamar Dixon Jairus Jamal Dobey JahLil TaFari Dorsey Benjamin Nicholas Doying Iziah Ja’Quon Dukes Katherine Ann Dunaway John Melvin Duncan III Zion Luke Anthoni Dunn Breanna Nicole Dyches Jack Trevor Ellefson William Terry Ellis Zhyne’ MoNique Ellison Daniela Elizabeth Elvira Harrison Leland Emery Benjamin Nash Estroff Braydon Hunter Ethridge Haileigh Marie Feagin Alexis Angeline Flinn Jordyn Amaya Ford Maya Grace Fowley Morgan Caroline Fox Ryan James Franklin Barbara Grace Freeman Luis Angel Galan Dawson Eli Gallegos Axel Rogelio Galvan Emily Garcia Jaqueline Garcia Ty’Qwann De’ontrez Gardner Jordan Rashad Garland Olivia Lauren Garnett Quran Jaquez Garrett Alexis Quezada Garza Shakira Aneisha Gathers Joshua Moore Gayle Cadaris Tre’von Gilpen Bradley Davis Godwin Chloe’ Grace Goforth Ashley Gomez Keonia Chantal Gordon Freddie Hubert Gray II

24 � AUGUSTA FAMILY | JULY 2020

Faith Myra Green Connor Lewis Greenwald Zachary Edward Griffin Andrew Thomas Hall Logan Carter Hall Madison Elizabeth Hall Charles Leon Hammond Almond Grayson Hann Luke Brian Hardy Derrick Lamar Harrison Jr. Matthew Jerome Hawkins Evelynn Rae Hayden Hannah Wynne Headrick Ryan James Hendrick James Richard Henry Stephen Maurice Henry Jr. Nicholas Hunter Herrera Anthony Stefone Herrin Amy Flora Herring Ashley GraceAnn Herrington Antonio De’Shaun Hersey A’Mia Imani Hill Ariana Marie Hill Ricardo Hill Jr. Trejun Lyquan Hobbs Nicholas Glen Hoehn Daunna Dunyell Holmes JaTarrio Levon Houston Macey Reagan Hughes Shelby Renee Hutto J’Mani Shane’ Ingram Haley Nicole Ives Ella Rae Cecilia James Aaliyah Christina Johnson Kamora Janai Johnson Lauren Colleen Johnson Ryan Terele Johnson Grayson Mackenzie Johnston Camerin Elijah Jones Garrett Walker Jones Hailee Elizabeth Jones Jacquan Antonio Jones John Randall Jones Sheilae Isora Joseph Kirstyn Olivia Keesling Carson Elizabeth Kelly Chase Emanuele Kelly Jyna Shanice Kemper Destanie Zerai Kennedy Kristian Michael Kennedy Shane William Kenrick McKenzie Brooke Kight Victoria Elizabeth Killmeyer Banks Tyler Daniel Kitchens Alyssa Julia Koonce Lauren Avery Koonce Raelin Desiree Lanham Izabel Alexis Lester Colton Daniel Levi Julianna Kathryn Lindsey Hannah Grace Littleton William Hammond Livingston Thomas Adler Lloyd Ashlynn Saylor Logan Thayer Robert Loose Dylan Robert Lott Ethan Gabriel Love Savannah Hope Luke Richard Luna Trevina Lyons Juan Jesus Marquez-Garcia Anthony Gilbert Martinez Kevin Yair Martinez-Nunez Anna Margaret Maryniak Anyla Chalise Mathis Emmie Elizabeth Matthews

Madelyn Anne Matthews Ronald Howe Matthews III RayQuan Shamar Mays Sophia Elizabeth McCall Jackson Miller McCommon Yazmin McCumber Rodriguez Carson Shane McGahee Michael Scott McGee William Craig McGee Dock William McKenzie Ivy Jane McKinney Grant Paxton McKinnon Tambric Jireh McKnight Makayla Alexandra McManus Lamontray Malik Medlock Joshua Adam Mentrup Justin Isaiah Meriweather William Philip Miller Maurice Isiah Milton Maci Raine Mobley JaNaiyah Treveaunna Moore JaQuan Tyreeke Moore Joel Moreno-Albarran Kaylee Haven Morris Riley Elizabeth Morris Raja Cleveland Moss Haven Elizabeth Mottel Jacob Austin Murphy Evan Christopher Newbegin Jyaer Dajon Newkirk Iris Elizabeth Nichols Benoit Tshiwala N’Kutula Hannah Lynn Noonan Trenton Mikel Northrup Leila Marie Ober Christina Halley O’Connor Peter Gaines Oden IV Rebeccah Chioma Ogbuefi Sesar Trejo Olvera Caroline Grace O’Neal Christian Robert O’Neal Rebecca Claire O’Neal Joseph Lee Osterdock Ana Grace Owens Matthew Alan Owings Naomi Owusu Ruth Owusu Caleb Joseph Padgett Keenan Tayon Paige Kaitlyn Michelle Parrish Caroline Noel Peace Emily Kate Pearce Noel Angel Pena Miguel Angel Perez Vandell Jaylon Perkins Christian Zane Pettigrew Skylar Ann Pettigrew Stephen David Phillips Julia Louvenia Pixley T’zaddi Makaio Pontoo Brayden Jacob Poorvin Jasmine La’shelle Pope Acxel Josua Portillo Kathryn Mae Presnell Evrie Joy Pruitt Charles Engel Putnam Dezmon Adarius Quiller Bryant Conor Rachels Allyson Morgan Raftevold Caroline Mae Raine Steven Eric Ramirez Anthony Thomas Ramsey Mark James Raymond Marshall Thomas Redd Amy Reyes Jaime Reyes Tyreke Darshan Reynolds

Blake Allen Robinson Diamond Renay Robinson Eliza Jewell Robinson Hannah Nicole Robinson Jamarri Nasir Robinson Riley Jane Robinson Tyreese Anthony Robinson Frederick Alexander Rowell Rachel McKenna Rozsnyai Jannessa Audruyanna Rue Jayliyah Kamalamalama O Kamahina Ryals Christopher Cole Saggus David Caleb Salyers Matthew Rolland Sams Trevor Wayne Sawyers Natalya Skye Schulze Amber Loren Schumacher Culen Jacob Scott Amore’ Camay Sellers Walker James Seymour Jaailyn Aaryn Shedrick Emily Loretta Shreve Jasmine Ranee Shults Jonathan Edward Simmons Jr. Daniel Wesley Simonds Julianna Faith Siverhus Spencer Christian Siverhus Rebekah Bryce Skinner Jacob Logan Smith Jereme Wayne Smith Barret Lee Smoker Israel Sosa Jr. Jaden Olivia Soto Cameron Josef Spearbeck Parker Keith Spires Zachery Jordan Spradley Karrington Royce Sullivan Blake Alexander Swanson Chloe Summerlin Sweat Byron Tapia-Perez Brianna Nicole Taylor Cecilia Elise Thomas Richard Wesley Thomas II Morgan Shyanne Tidwell William Andrew Tilby Kelsey Nichole Toole Deja’ Simone Tregre Logan Tice Tudor Cayanhya Tenque Turner Brianna Sherri Valentine Victoria Renee Vance Jesus Giovanni Varela Yaharris Terresa Vargas Jacob Aaron Lane Vautaw Nina Synclair Vidal Caleb Walker Waldrop Trinity Sojourner Walker Laurel Isabella Wall Brandon Clarke Walton Chase Harrison Weeks Cynthia Michelle Wells Noah Gibson Whitfield Damian Taylor Whitt Amari Janae Williams Brock Allen Williams Emily Shae Williams Jayla Tatiana Williams Keyvunta Montrez Williams Russell Davis Williams Ethan Bryce Wilson Landon David Wood Kendra Natalie Woody-Evans Ashlyn Anne Wright Colson Timothy Wright Paola Michelle Zambrana Colon Yumin Aimee Zheng

G R A D U AT I N G C L A S S O F 2 0 2 0 RID GE SPRING-MONET TA HIGH SCHO OL Morgan Berry Alisha Brooks Camaya Brown Wondrecus Brunson Jesus Castro-Benitez Andie Marie Cress Johnathon Cumbee Jasmine Cummings Amber Daniels Cameron Davis Travionte’Dean Avante Dobey Colby DuBose Charity Elam James Evans Seth Fallaw Shelton Fallaw Alieaun Gilliam Conner Goss Daniel Harris Kandon Hastings Keflin Jones Joanna Kaiser Christian Key Wyatt LaDue Makayla Lee Kenyon Ligons Larry Long Reyes Nancy Lopez William Luarca Courtney Maguire Nytasia Martin Jocelyn Martinez-Gonzalez Katelyn Matranga David Mendez-Perez Elariean Mills Malaysia Morris Joseph Noriega-Escober Flores Jesus Orozco Clayton Oxendine Lacy Pou Louise Senn Ty’kerria Sims Jay Sterling Colbi Sullivan Collier Sullivan Michael Summer Alex Tarlton Zachary Truesdale Megan Turner Ernesto Valdez-Torres Akira Weathers Katelyne White Symia Wilson

MORGAN RENE’ BERRY Valedictorian

CONNER DEREK GOSS Salutatorian

AUGUSTA FAMILY | JULY 2020 � 25

G R A D U AT I N G C L A S S O F 2 0 2 0 SILVER BLUFF HIGH SCHO OL

MATTHEW THOMAS KETUSKY Valedictorian

COURTNEY NASHAY YOUNG Salutatorian

26 � AUGUSTA FAMILY | JULY 2020

Alijah Jordan Alford Angela Marie Allen Jalen Fredriko Anderson Jessye Dalanna Barton Kolton Travis Bird Annabella Renee Black Jada Elise Bowers-Thompson Bentley Michael Bowman Brianna Lynn Boyd Jacksyn Daniel Bradley Dinah Danielle Britt Katelyn Rae Broome Nicholas Peyton Brown Donovan Patrick Bush Travis Sentell Bush Jr. Jeremiah Isiah Caillot Evan Charles Chadwick Jessi Diane Cliatt Jacob Nathaniel Corey Ronn Keith Anthony Couch II Kaley Ross Cox Zipporah Mariah Davis Andres’ Jose Del Rio Rodriguez Joavino Sh’ron Devine Jr. Danielle Lynette Devlin Ethan Andrew Dohrn Jasmin Leigh Dooley Trynatee Sade’ Douse Kevin Eduardo Duenas Brianna Emily Duke Sana’I Arielle Durant Bjorn Alejandro Espinosa de la Hoz Saul Lopez Florido Jose Angel Garcia Katie Rose Garrett Tariq Markily Gary Morgan Elizabeth Geisler NyAjah Doniesha Gifford Shawn Anthony Gilchrist Kimberly Rose Glanton Savannah Nicole Goff Nathaniel Lucky Gray Byron Javon Green Patience Devine Green Andrew Paul Gregory Malory Taylor Grosshans AnaHi Guerrero-Ramirez Walker Isaiah Zane Haithcock Toby Slade Hall Phillip Joseph Hamilton Jahun Raequel Da’sh Harden Keiona Michelle Harris Chasity Taylor Hazel Laurel Gemie Hicks Tiatra Amber Hill Weston Andrew Hill Jason Bryce Hobbs Christopher Lashaun Holley Jr. Xavier Marquette Holley Caleb Logan Hornsby Ian Wacy Doyle Hostettler Erica Danielle Hunt Katelyn Marie Ison Aaliayah Janaye Jackson Alashia Najea Jackson Ashton Jamar Johnson Charles FitizGearld Davis Johnson Dalton Gregory Johnson Darius Jaheim Johnson

Trenay Jalise Johnson Jeremiah Kendel Jones La’Cristal Laynese Jones Breanna Marie Kennedy Matthew Thomas Ketusky Courtney Toran King Jr. Eric Lee O’brian Kitchings Carson Keith Lamb Willie Edward Lee Jr. Oscar Lopez Priscila Zambrano Lopez Ja’Qorie Jan’ae Love Kaylee Mckall Lowe Shelby Ann Lynn Emilie Barbara Maia Oliver Marquell Martin Jose Maria Romero Martinez Jessica Erin Matlock Katelyn Elizabeth Marie McCormick Kailyn Rebecca McDaniel Riley Alexander McMullen Zydairyn Simir Middlebrooks Raven Ivory Moody Devin Senquan Dennis Moore James Warren Moulton III Sara Rose Moyer Tiwaine Dashon Jontrez Odom Diamond Stardasia Perez Armando Perez Jr. Gabriel Arath Perez Rojas Charles Anthony Phillips Justin Tyler Pinkston Jordan Terrance Rawls Austin Lee Reynolds Amber Michelle Rich Jabez Zyon Roberson Montgomery Hardt Roberts Angel Gabriel Rodriguez Hannah Alyssa Sankey Breanna Elizabeth Sapp Tymerius Sharond Simmons Mallory Michelle Skinner Jason Todd Smoot Jr. Cassie Nicole Starks Mercadies Schampain Steele Al’vernea Terrnel Stewart Destiny Faith Swansbrough CiDestini Dechelle Tankersley Ja’Cory Rashaad Tanksley Brandon Nicholas John Thorne Michael Noah Trimble Stephanie Rhiannon Usher Praisely Ann Vinson A’syanti Kyona Walker Markaila Yasmeine Walker Kyle William Wallace Jada La’zena Warner Raygan Michelle Watson Aynslee Nicole Widener Cynthia Louise Williams Evan Lamar Williams Ma’Kayla Keyonna Williams Nathan Paul Williams Bryson Alexander Wilson Marc Anthony Wingard Jordan Lynn Wolfe Samantha Jewel Woodward Alaina Michelle Wright Courtney Nashay Young

G R A D U AT I N G C L A S S O F 2 0 2 0 SOU TH AIKEN HIGH SCHO OL Ashley Nicole Aaron Christian Earl Adams Jr. Jaden Donald Adams Paige Marie Alexander Tyler Wayne Anderson Anaya Marie Armstrong Dallas Ariana Bacon Cambre Makhia Barr Everly Grace Barron Lauryn Elizabeth Barton Montel Jermaine Barton Laura Isabel Bautista Lopez Jessica Catherine Bendickson Christian Charles Benson Kaitlyn Marie Benton Nyla Nicole Elize Berry Cheyenne Marie Blackwelder Bryson William Joseph Bonner Joel Edward Brayboy Braden Cale Briatico Brian Christopher Briggs Caley Danielle Bright Alicia Marie Brigode Quardarius Ricshard Brooks Jaylen Alexander Brown Benjamin Robert Bruno Joseph Edward Bruno Olivia Sates Bryant Nathaniel David Burgess Ethan Logan Burkhart Devionne Lavelle Burnett Ramel Lamont Butler Tiana Beth Butler Trevais Le’var Butler Taylor Anne Butts Keagan Anderson Cannella Isaiah Rayshaun Carbajal Madison Christine Carr Ryan Patrick Carr Antonio Merrell Carter Jr. Ja’Naga Ortasia Carter Eliseo Abisai Ceja Reid William Chafin Antavona Denise Chandler Luis Fernando Chavez Blake Alexander Childers Logan Gabriel Chisholm Malik De’Shawn Coates Hannah Elizabeth Cole Shelby Christina Coleman Anthony Savon Coles David Samuel Collazo Samuel David Collazo Braden James Comar Cameron Seth Cook Jackson Thomas Cozzi Emily Kathleen Crenshaw DeShaun Jamyes-Sirr Cunningham MaKayla Brianna Cuyler Deanna Elizabeth Davies D’Ashia Monique Davis Kendall Mary Davis Paige Elena Dayley Albert Jefferson Deibel Taylor Monai Dobson Mathew Khalil Drummings Lindsay Julia Dugan Colin Matthew Durante Mikayla Celeste Egbert Caleb Mancel Eichelberger Ameria Janile El Sean Carter Elliott Scott Kichline Elmshaeuser Katelyn Denim English Ashton Carnell Ervin Dorian Taylor Eubanks Madison Taylor Eubanks Caleb Matthew Evans Ashley Marie Ewald Branden Jimmy Flanagan Jesus Antonio Flores Barajas Lesley Priscilla Flores Marisol Flores Reagan Keri Foreman Chloe Elaine Foster Jordan Adele Foster De’Avalon Alice Foust Dezstiny Mona Foust Kayla Simone Fox Michael Wayne Frady Jr.

Garrison Edward Frazier Natalia Abigail Galo Francisco Daniel Galvez Cruz Hector Manuel Garcia John Michael Garverick Terra Lee Lake Garvin Kayla Marie Gathercoal Jeanluk Gerner Natalie Lynn Gibson Travonne Jeremiah Gibson Xochilt Gabrielle Godoy Bailey Noelle Goldschmidt Ryan Alexander Gomez Devon Thomas Grant Blaise Hunter Gray Tristan Ayden Gray Haley Lynn Green Tavoris Markell Green Grace Lee Griffin Wyatt Michael Haley Jeffrey Scott Hall Jr. Carneal Hammonds Jr. Kaylin Demetria Hammonds Shelby Lyn Hanna Justin Michael Hansen Marquce Garrod Harley Colleen Elisabeth Harmon Julia Anne Harper Alexis Marie Montoy Harrington Joseph Paul Tyler Hartman Jayson Reed Haven Gabriel Michael Hayslip Abigail Tabitha Heyward Dashawna MeKrasa Dynesha Hicks Davis James Hirsch Audrey Taylor Hollis Jaden Akel Holston J’shon Kekoa Horn Lorna Isabelah Horne Rossteen Houshiar Abigail Marie Housley Daniel Lee Padgett Husk Alena Louise Isbill Michael Leon James Jr. Genesys Andaye Mudiwa Jarvis Nakaylyn Tamia Jenkins Reyna Jindal Brianna Nicole Johnson Deonka Nicole Johnson Kamran Zy’Aire Jones Aaron George Karius Alyssa Grace Keadle Pamela Serena Key Samantha Leigh Kinard Blayze Alexander King Alexis Elizabeth Kneece Samuel Parker Kniphfer Daniel Isaiah Knowles David Adam Koss III Isabelle Marie Kough Adam Hunter Krol Michael Avery Laminack Cecelia Anne Langhorst MacKenzie Paige Larochelle Luna Rayne Ledbetter Cameron Michelle Lee Kendall June Leigh Jason Thomas Lewis Savannah Leslie Linder Rachel Ellen Lott Sara Elizabeth Lott Arianna Leigh Mabbott Zitlali Maria Macuixtle Marquez Alexander Thomas Magnus Nicholas Charles Mandel Cameron Elaine Martin Chloe Jane Martin Kyle Alexander Martin Nequel Savi’on Jaquan Martin Andrea Lopez Martinez Bryce Frederick Martinez Branden Mical Mason Charles Jacob Mastromonico Briana Nicole Mathieu Chesler Daniel Mathis Cassidy Matthews Renard Joshua Matthews Ryan William Mayes Aaron Michael Mazzell Jack Christopher McCarthy

Alissa Ann McIntosh Dallas Joshua Lapere McKeever Cornelious Fredrick McKie Jr. Garrett Edward McRae Abimael Mendez Diaz Vladimir Mendez Cameron Michael Meyer Connor Seth Mihoulides Kasey Marie Miller Mahogany Samone Minus Jayla Shamiya Moore Tyler Robert Morrison Michael Austin Moseley Alexis Murillo Garibay Christina Elizabeth Nelson Jaeveon O’Keith Nichols Owen Lance O’Steen Halle Marie Odom Joseph Anthony ODonnell Nathan Bryan Oldenburg James Thomas Olsen Willie Alexander Ouzts Logan Danielle Owen Faith-Bethany Malio-Pomaikai Pacheco Noah Jacob Parks De’Maury Mekhi Patten Justin Nathaniel Patterson N’Tavien Damawn Patterson Hunter Rodell Payton Matthew Steven Peralta-Estrada Imani D Shae Pettaway Winter Alexis Phillips Armond Darva Pixley Skyler Robert Pollina Daniel Alexander Pope Karis Alana Porter Cade Ryan Price Darius Tiyon Price Jesse Charles Przywara Anthony Quantrelle Pulliam Jonah Michael Quarles Sabrina Lynn Quarles Yadira Quiahua-Salas Hannah Grace Raines Marycelis Ramos Lia Rae Ramsey Holland Avigail Rasmusson Lori Denise Rathburn Tori Diane Rathburn Joshua Patrick Sidney Ray Dawson Adam Raymer Elizabeth Marie Redd Avery Blake Reeves Breanne Alicia Richards Bradley Adin Richardson Jr. Lynette Alexandria Riddle Joseph Edward Riveglia Nicholas Conan Riveglia Jasmine Shantel Roach Kaitlyn Cheyenne Roache Joshua Benjamin Roberts Hakeem Jawaun Robinson Luis Angel Rodriguez Morales Daniel Martinez Rodriguez Alexandra Gabrielle Romero Ruth Salas Rodriguez Cesar Sanchez Martinez Leslie Samantha Sanchez Jenefer Sanchez-Morales Jesse Palmer Sanders Lizbeth Adilene Santoyo Rosales Gabrielle Marie Sapough D’Naesha Nicole Saxon Kaleb Matthew Scarborough Samuel Mark Schroeder Claudia Vicktoria Schultz Nathan Wayne Seay Kesean Charles Elijah Semper Trenton Drake Shabdue Jenna Ryan Sharp Annelise Taylor Shick Paul Siebert Nathan Park Simmons Nykia Kerria Simpkins Ethan Bryce Roble Singco Aaliyah Ta’Nya Zy’Keria Smalls Reagan Marie Sminkey Blade Matthew Smith Ian McCleave Smith III Paiton Nicole Smith

KENDALL JUNE LEIGH Valedictorian

HOLLAND AVIGAIL RASMUSSON Salutatorian

Xavier OBrian Smith Emily Rose Spacek Kristen Hope Sprinkle Grant Michael Stanford Alanna Chandrell Stapleton Samari Jawuan Stevens Ashley Laura Stone Emily Rose Stone Cameron Bryce Swearingen Samuel Matthias Swygert Meng Yuan Tang Courtney Allyssa Tarvin Kaitlin Nicole Teeter Tyler Zjon Thomas Nathanael Green Tiffany Ashly Kendall Till Terrance Jeremiah Troupe Chia-Yu Tu Dylan Michael Turner James Henry Turner Daniela Lisseth Villatoro Jordan Michael Villegas Madelynn Marie Walker Nytasia Zy’teria Marie Walker Tajae’ Labree Walker Abigail Jayne Walton Kelsey Lynn Waters Maverick Walker Werger Nakayia Kianna Shlone Whetstone Kaylie Briana Whitson Mathew Ford Wilhoit Dustin Lee Williamson Hunter Brycen Williamson Jeremy Dale Williamson Alexandria Patricia LeRay Wilson Aleia Karoline Grace Woodard Lane Hudson Woody Lauren Elizabeth Wright

AUGUSTA FAMILY | JULY 2020 � 27

G R A D U AT I N G C L A S S O F 2 0 2 0 WAGENER-SALLEY HIGH SCHO OL

JENNIFER SAMPSON Valedictorian

TAUNIJA SWEDENBURG Salutatorian

28 � AUGUSTA FAMILY | JULY 2020

Ryant Robert Argroe Stephanie Amber Bell Lucas Keith Billings Amanda Danielle Bolton Imani Ananda Brown Jeremiah Jarod Bynem SaNadiyah Aughvraon Capers Deneisha Renee Clifton Bailey Alexandria Crucilla Jhuatieq Raiheum Nohcuel Davis Addison Rylee Ferguson Ykaneya D’Nya Naquae Ferrer Mallory Elizabeth Fortune Holly Marie Frost Barbara Elizabeth Gantt Sarenity Marie Gardner Tionne Laquada Garvin Javonte Bruce Ginyard Bre’Asia Nicole Gleaton Ja’Teriahn Zykel Gleaton Gabrielle Ranyah Golson Jamarco Shamari Green Jasmine Aaliyah Green Charlie Bo Halsey Lydia Rebecca Hooper Cameron Elizabeth Jackson Nicholaus Blake Jeffcoat Malik D’Vonte Jerry Ty’Quan Deonte Jerry Jakquelyne Ke’Oshona Christina Johnson My’Kell Cor’Shon Landy Jacob Theron McGee Kyia Nicole Metcalf Philip Raymond Poole Jr Braden Ross Quattlebaum Logan Elizabeth Rushton Jennifer Mallory Sampson Jervaris Jakobe Schofield Jordan Jervaris Schofield Joshua Nathaniel Sease Kaleb Omar Shaw Stephen Douglas Smith Julian Gaige Starnes Ethan Markel Stroman Taunija Tanae Swedenburg Devin James Vinson Ajaysah Tiana Iviana Harris Walker Ar’Riawna Rayshawn Williams Roderick Shau’dre Levon Williams Savannah Heyward Williams Westin I’davyon Williams Brett Wesley Yon Rachel Ansley Yon

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kids photo by DenKuvaiev on iStockphoto

OUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES THROUGHOUT AUGUSTA’S RIVER REGION

30 � AUGUSTA FAMILY | JULY 2020

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AGENCIES Able Kids Services 3726 Executive Center Dr., Augusta 706-842-5330 www.ablekidsservices.com Founded in January 2016, Able Tree is the children’s division of Soto ALG. Services include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, professional development, educational support/advocacy, social skills groups, and certified music therapy. Apparo Academy (known as Augusta Therapy Academy until March 2019) 3104 Skinner Mill Rd., Augusta 706-522-4222 www.apparoacademy.org Provides families of children with special needs the necessary skills to achieve success through educational and therapeutic services. Bobby Dodd Institute 2120 Marietta Blvd. NW, Atlanta (main campus) 678-365-0071 www.bobbydodd.org Offers family support services, advocacy and education. Center for Disability Resources University of South Carolina School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics Columbia, SC 803-935-5231 NOTE: If you are trying to reach the Autism/CARE (Autism Regional Office) please call (803)935-5090 or (803)935-5390. www.uscm.med.sc.edu/cdrhome Programs support families and their children with developmental delays, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, autism and other diagnoses through assistive technology programs, education, supported community living programs, supported employment and more. ChanceLight Autism Services 3830 Washington Rd. Ste. 2, Martinez 762-222-7629 Katy Hudson BCBA kathrynhudson@chancelight.com ChanceLight autism services provides applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children and young adults who have autism. Easter Seals East Georgia 1500 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta 706-667-9695 www.easterseals.com/eastgeorgia Work programs help disabled teenagers transition from school into the workplace. There are also work-related programs for disabled adults. The Champions for Children program provides financial assistance to families of special needs and medically fragile children who do not meet

the eligibility requirements for the TEFRA/Katie Beckett Medicaid program. Family Connection of South Carolina 1800 St. Julian Place, Suite 104, Columbia, SC 803-252-0914 www.familyconnectionsc.org A state-wide non-profit organization that connects families of children with special healthcare needs or disabilities with helpful resources, support and education. Georgia Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 57 Executive Park S., Suite 380, Atlanta 404-325-6973 www.cff.org Raises money to fund research for a cure. Provides information and resources for parents of children with cystic fibrosis. The Georgia Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 3525 Piedmont Rd., N.E., Building 6, Suite 300, Atlanta 404-420-5990 www.jdrf.org/georgia This organization has the Family Network, which provides support, encouragement and programming for families of children with diabetes. Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities 2 Peachtree St., N.W., 24th floor, Atlanta 404-657-2252 www.dbhdd.georgia.gov To access mental health, substance abuse and crisis and emergency services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, call 1-800-715-4225. To locate treatment or support services for individuals with mental illness, substance abuse disorders or developmental disabilities, visit www.mygcal.com. Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities— Region 2 3405 Mike Padgett Highway, Building 3, Augusta 706-792-7733; 866-380-4835 Behavioral Health Regional Services Administrator: Dawn Peel, 706-792-7671, dawn.peel@dbhdd.ga.gov. Developmental Disabilities Regional Services Administrator: Karla Brown, 706-792-7695, karla. brown@dbhdd.ga.gov. www.dbhdd.georgia.gov/region-2-field-office Operates a community-based system of care, which allows clients to receive care in the least restrictive setting possible while helping them to obtain a life of independence and recovery. Provides planning for and coordination of provider network; offers technical assistance; and serves as the point of contact for consumers who have questions about accessing services. Georgia Department of Community Health 2 Peachtree St., N.W., Atlanta 404-656-4507 https://gcdd.org/faqs/developmental-disabilitiesservices-and-resources.html

The New Options Waiver (NOW) and the Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP) offer home and community-based services for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) or developmental disabilities (DD) through the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) Division of Medical Assistance Plans. To read information on Medicaid waivers: www.dch.georgia.gov/sites/ dch.georgia.gov/files/imported/vgn/images/portal/ cit_1210/49/43/92560099NOW_COMP_FY12.pdf. Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Services and Division of Family and Children Services 2 Peachtree St., Suite 29-250, Atlanta 404-651-6316; 844-694-2347 CustomerService@dhr.state.ga.us www.dhs.georgia.gov www.dfcs.georgia.gov/services/adoption The agency provides a variety of services, including administrating the Wednesday’s Child Program which finds adoptive families for special needs children. HealthSouth Walton Rehabilitation Hospital 1355 Independence Dr., Augusta 706-724-7746 www.healthsouthwalton.com An excellent resource for information and assistance with neurological and orthopedic disorders. Learning Disabilities Association of Georgia 1366 North Druid Hills Road, Brookhaven ldaofgeorgia@gmail.com www.ldag.org One of 50 volunteer state organizations that comprise the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA). For more than 30 years, its mission has been to enhance the quality of life for individuals of all ages with learning disabilities and/or Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD). Lynndale, Inc. 1490 Eisenhower Dr., Augusta 706-738-3395 www.lynndaleinc.org Lynndale is a community support service that helps adults with disabilities access employment and community resources, develop life skills, and participate in group and individual activities. National Down Syndrome Society 800-221-4602 info@ndss.org www.ndss.org Provides information and resources for parents and expectant parents of infants and children diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Serenity Behavioral Health System 3421 Mike Padgett Hwy., Augusta 706-432-4800 www.serenitybhs.com

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Provides a range of services for people with mental retardation, developmental disabilities and mental health issues. South Carolina Association for the Deaf 437 Center St., West Columbia, SC 803-794-3175 803-794-7059 (TTY) 803-403-9255 (video phone) www.sc-deaf.org Promotes equal treatment toward deaf and hardof-hearing individuals in education, employment, legislation, healthcare and other fields pertaining to the deaf and hard-of-hearing residents of South Carolina. Compiles and updates contact information to help you connect with agencies and groups offering assistance and services for the deaf and hard of hearing. Soto ALG 3736 Executive Center Dr., Augusta 706-426-4200 www.sotoalg.com Soto ALG provides residential and day services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Services include community residential alternative services, community access (group and individual), supported employment services, prevocational services and ABA therapy. Additional services include community living support and specialized medical supplies. They accept NOW/COMP Medicaid waivers and private pay. Spina Bifida Association of Georgia-Tennessee 202-618-4752 or 202-618-4739 Libby Riordan or lriordan@sbaa.org www.spinabifidaassociation.org/chapter/sbagatn Provides information and education for parents, plus raises awareness of this birth defect and promotes prevention. Tri-Development of Aiken County 1016 Vaucluse Rd., Aiken, SC 803-642-8800 director@aikentdc.org www.aikentdc.org A United Way-funded agency providing services for children and adults with autism, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, mental retardation and related disorders. Reaching Milestones 624 Ponder Place Dr., Evans 706-863-9699 www.reachingmilestones.com Clinic services include Applied Behavior Analysis, language assessments, center and home-based behavioral therapy, social skills, treatment of problem behavior and more.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY & MEDICAL EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES Georgia Regents ALS Clinic Department of Neurology, EMG Lab 1120 15th St., Augusta

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706-721-4581 or 706-721-2681 info@alsaga.org www.alsa.org Offers one-on-one patient consultations, medical equipment and assistive technology. Patients and their caregivers are trained in the proper use of the assistive technology. Other services include support groups, educational programs and respite care. Augusta/Aiken Ear, Nose and Throat 720 Saint Sebastian Way, Suite 201, Augusta 340 North Belair Rd., Evans 170 University Parkway, Aiken SC 706-868-5676: Augusta, Evans 803-649-0003: Aiken www.augustaent.com Highly trained audiologists evaluate hearing and fit patients with appropriate hearing aids. Augusta Orthotics and Prosthetics 2068 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta 706-733-8878 www.augustaprosthetics.com Customizes orthotic and prosthetic solutions to meet individual needs, from braces to artificial limbs. Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics 630 13th St., Suite 200, Augusta 706-724-2481 www.hanger.com Creates prosthetic and orthotic devices to suit the needs of each client. Midlands Prosthetics and Orthotics 1018 Druid Park Ave., Augusta, 706-737-7371 690 Medical Park Drive, Aiken, 866-641-6007 www.midlandsprosthetics.com Produces upper and lower extremity prosthetics and orthotics using the state-or-the-art components and orthotics. Walton Options STAR Durable Medical Equipment Reuse Program 948 Walton Way, Augusta, 706-724-6262 514 West Avenue, North Augusta, 803-279-9611 www.waltonoptions.org/services Collects, cleans and repairs used assistive technology and matches it to recipients with special needs. Additional assistive technology services are available.

BABIES AND TODDLERS Aiken County First Steps 105 Gator Lane, Aiken, SC 803-306-1343 www.scfirststeps.org/who-we-are/local-partnerships/aiken First Steps is a results-oriented, state-wide, early childhood education initiative designed to ensure that South Carolina children arrive at first grade healthy and ready to succeed. A+ Kids 181 Town Creek Rd, Aiken

803-642-0700 or info@apluspta.com www.apluspta.com/main/apluskids Early intervention services for infants and toddlers evidencing delays in growth, development and learning. Babies Can’t Wait (State-wide Interagency Service Delivery Systems) Georgia Department of Public Health 2 Peachtree St., NW, Atlanta 404-657-2850 www.dph.georgia.gov/Babies-Cant-Wait For infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities, from birth to age 3. Georgia Chapter of March of Dimes 1776 Peachtree St., Suite 200S, Atlanta 404-350-9800 www.marchofdimes.com/georgia The March of Dimes works to prevent premature births, prevent birth defects, improve the health of babies and support families if something does go wrong. The Genetics Department at Children’s Hospital of Georgia Medical Office Building 1446 Harper St., 3rd floor, Augusta 706-721-5437, 888-721-5437 www.augustahealth.org/childrens-hospital-ofgeorgia/our-care/genetics/pediatric-geneticsabout-our-practice The pediatric genetics specialists evaluate and test for genetic disease in children or birth defects, such as chromosomal disorders (for example, Down Syndrome), neurofibromatosis, cystic fibrosis or other disorders.

EDUCATION Augusta Christian Schools Learning Support Program 313 Baston Rd., Martinez 706-863-2905, extension 206, Lauren Banks www.augustachristian.org/Learning-Support The school is designed for students with a specific learning disability and/or those with attention deficit disorder. Classes are available in grades 1-12, depending on availability, offering low teacher-student ratios and individualized instruction. The curriculum is designed for students with special learning needs while incorporating a standard curriculum. American Sign Language Augusta Health 1499 Walton Way, North entrance, Room 1151 706-721-6929 www.augustahealth.org/patient-family-centeredcare/advisory-councils/department-of-familyservices-development https://www.augustahealth.org/media/file/aslcourse-schedule.pdf American Sign Language courses are available for kids and adults, beginners and more advanced signers.

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College Board Services for Students with Disabilities 212-713-8333 www.collegeboard.com/ssd/student/index.html The College Board works to provide appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities when taking the SAT, AP tests and PSAT/NMSQT. CSRA EOA, Inc. Head Start 1261 Greene St., Augusta 706-722-0493 www.csraeoaheadstart.org Provides professional, comprehensive, quality services to preschool children, families and staff. Individuals with disabilities receive the full range of developmental services in an inclusive environment. This includes children with physical disabilities, health conditions, vision, hearing, speech or learning impairments. Special services such as screenings, evaluations, speech or physical therapy and transportation also may be provided. Georgia Academy for the Blind 2895 Vineville Ave., Macon 478-751-6083 www.gabmacon.org Campus and outreach programs are designed to meet the educational needs of students who are

blind, visually impaired and have adjacent multiple sensory disabilities. Georgia PINES (Parent Infant Network for Educational Services) 890 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston 800-522-8652; 404-298-4882 www.gapines.info Information/assistance to families of vision/hearing impaired, multi-handicapped, sensory impaired children, under age 4. Parent advisors make home visits to teach families how to help their child.

Special education for children ages 4-14. Fullinclusion program, learning lab and self-contained programs. All special-education programs offer small class sizes with low student/teacher ratio. Diagnostic testing in reading and math modules using specialized consultation and classroom intervention. Speech therapy, OT and PT offered. Disabilities include but not limited to autism, Down syndrome, mental retardation, learning disabilities, dyslexia, attention deficits, speech and language impairments, cognitive processing deficits and physical disabilities.

Georgia Virtual School 404-938-7270 www.gavirtualschool.org Georgia Virtual School is a program of the Georgia Department of Education Office of Technology Services. It is SACS-accredited and offers middle school and high school level courses across the state. Parents and teachers partner in the online education of the individual child.

Kumon Math and Reading Center 500 Furys Ferry Rd., Unit 502-5, Martinez 706-993-2232 www.kumon.com The center strives to help each student perform at his/ her full potential by using techniques that improve speed and accuracy to master the basics in reading and math. Students meet with a highly trained Kumon instructor during the week and continue with home assignments daily to close any learning gaps that might be hindering them. Preschool through high school.

Immaculate Conception Catholic School 811 Telfair St., Augusta 706-722-9964 www.icaugusta.org/special-education

Mathnasium 1384 Whiskey Rd., Aiken 803-226-9090 205 Robert C. Daniel Jr. Pkwy., Augusta

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706-737-1992 4219-1 Washington Rd., Evans 706-868-9393 www.mathnasium.com Helping elementary, middle and high school students excel in math, whether your child started out far behind or is already ahead. Mathnasium’s unique assessment process determines (with great accuracy) exactly what each child knows and what they need to learn. Oxford Learning Center 4272 Washington Rd., Suite 2A, Evans 706-650-2225 www.oxfordlearning.com Students preschool through adult receive help with study skills, homework, reading, writing, math, spelling, grammar and more. Partners in Achievement 454 Furys Ferry Rd., Suite B, Martinez 706-650-1877 augusta@partnersinachievement.com www.partnersinachievement.com PIA offers programs for children ages 6 and up with attention problems and/or learning disabilities to help them overcome the underlying barriers to academic success. South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind 355 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 864-585-7711 www.scsdb.org An academic institution providing high-quality education programs, both day and residential, for students ages 2½ to 21 who are deaf, blind or multisensory disabled. Virtual SC www.virtualsc.org The South Carolina virtual school program delivers flexible online options for the diverse educational needs of South Carolina students and their families.

FAMILY COUNSELING AND PSYCHIATRIC RESOURCES Center for Care & Counseling 4434 Columbia Rd., Suite 203, Martinez 706-305-3137 centerforcare@c4sra.comcastbiz.net www.csraccc.org A faith-sensitive counseling service that helps individuals and families draw on their own strengths and values to begin their healing process. Offers a wide range of counseling services to families, couples, individuals, adolescents and children. Eastern Georgia Transitional Family Services 3643 Walton Way Ext., Building 4, Augusta 706-364-1404 www.tfsga.org Offers a range of family preservation services.

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Approved by the state to offer Comprehensive Child and Family Assessments (CCFA), Core services (C&A and adult) and Intensive Family Intervention Services (IFI) through Medicaid. Therapy and counseling services, and parent aid services through Homestead Family Preservation. Family Counseling Center of the CSRA 3351 Wrightsboro Rd #301, Augusta 706-868-5011 www.fcccsra.org Strengthens individuals and families to achieve their own goals and to network with other agencies and institutions to improve family life. Families Forward 3506 Professional Circle, Suite B, Martinez 706-210-8855 www.familiesforward.co Specializing in children ages 3 to early adulthood. Dara Delancy, Ph.D., and Amy Holsten, Ph.D.

with disabilities to live independently, pursue meaningful goals, and have the same opportunities and choices as all persons in the community. We are a parent-driven, non-profit organization that supports families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The website provides resources and information. Parent to Parent of Georgia 3070 Presidential Pkwy., Suite 130, Atlanta 770-451-5484, 800-229-2038 www.p2pga.org The organization has a comprehensive website that provides a map to securing services for special needs children. Access Get Care SC 800-868-9095 www.getcaresc.com A guide to resources and services for people with disabilities and their caregivers.

Georgia Family Crisis Solutions 4145 Columbia Rd., Martinez 706-869-7373 www.gfcscc.com Provides the most current, correct information concerning therapy in a manner that is nurturing, nonthreatening and non-judgmental.

South Carolina Autism Society 806 12th St., West Columbia, SC 803-750-6988 scas@autism.org www.scautism.org A state-wide agency that educates and promotes awareness.

Mind-Body Health Services 3830 Washington Rd., Ste 17, Augusta 706-364-5228 www.conniestapletonphd.com The providers at Mind-Body Health Services consider the whole person in helping him or her find the solution to deal with what is causing discomfort. Connie Stapleton, Ph.D.

South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs 3440 Hardin Street Ext., Columbia, SC 803-898-9600 www.ddsn.sc.gov Plans, develops, funds and oversees programs for people with severe, lifelong disabilities in regard to intellect, autism, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury.

Beginnings SC 437 Center Street, West Columbia, SC info@scbegin.org ncbegin.org/beginnings-sc-2 803-216-1171(office) 803-929-7785 (video phone) Beginnings is an expanded non-profit providing professional expertise, education and guidance to anyone in South Carolina with the ability to impact deaf or hard of hearing families. They help parents or caregivers of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing (ages birth-21), parents who are deaf or hard of hearing and professionals who serve these families. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation www.cff.org An online source for information about diagnosis, research, treatment, clinical trials and more. disABILITY Resource Center 170 Scoggins Drive, Demorest, GA 706-778-5355 615 F Oak Street, Gainesville, GA 770-534-6656 www.disabilityresourcecenter.org Provides an array of services assisting individuals

South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council 1205 Pendleton St., Suite 461, Columbia, SC 803-734-0465 803-734-1147 (TTY) www.scddc.sc.gov Advocates for people with developmental disabilities and provides leadership in planning, funding and implementing initiatives. United Way of the CSRA 1765 Broad St., Augusta 706-724-5544 www.uwcsra.org The 211 system provides a link to information and referral on a variety of services in the community. Other resources for families are available on the website as well.

MEDICAL, THERAPY AND TREATMENT PROGRAMS Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs (formerly STAR) 1123 Edgefield Highway, Aiken

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803-226-0352 Administration 803-226-0056 Ofﬁce info@greatoakatrc.org www.greatoakatrc.org Great Oak is designed to promote certiﬁed therapeutic riding for children and adults with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges. Augusta Developmental Specialists 1303 D’Antignac St., Suite 2100 706-396-0600 www.augustadevelopmentalspecialists.com Specializes in helping people with healthcare and developmental needs. The group provides developmental assessment, care coordination between therapists and school staff, a wheelchair clinic and more. Led by Karen Carter, M.Ed., M.D., the group includes a licensed massage therapist and recreational therapist. Offers speech, occupational and physical therapy. Blue Ribbon Riders 987 Reynolds Farm Rd., Grovetown 706-854-0644 www.facebook.com/BlueRibbonRidersGrovetown Equine-assisted activity and hippotherapy program for ages 3 and up. A Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International

(PATH International) premier accredited center. Hippotherapy uses the movement of the horse as a treatment strategy to address impairments, functional limitations and disabilities in patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction. Contact Claudia Morin. Children’s Hospital of Georgia Pediatric Audiology 1447 Harper St., 4th ﬂoor 706-721-5437, option 1 www.augustahealth.org/childrens-hospital-ofgeorgia/our-care/peds-otolaryngology/pediatricaudiology Patients receive comprehensive audiology, speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy services from a team of skilled professionals in a facility designed and equipped for children. Children’s Hospital of Georgia Pediatric Diabetes and Endocrinology 1447 Harper St. 706-721-5437 www.augustahealth.org/childrens-hospital-ofgeorgia/our-care/peds-diabetes/pediatric-diabetesand-endocrinology-home Delivers care for children with growth problems, over and under-active thyroid, advanced or delayed puberty and juvenile diabetes. The pediatric

diabetes team helps children manage diabetes and live active lives. Children’s Hospital of Georgia Pediatric Psychiatry 706-721-9331 www.augustahealth.org/childrens-hospital-ofgeorgia/our-care/psychiatry/pediatric-psychiatry Offers outpatient and inpatient treatment for children ages 6-16 years with emotional and behavioral problems. Children’s Medical Services Georgia Department of Public Health 2 Peachtree St., N.W., 15th ﬂoor, Atlanta 404-657-2700 www.dph.georgia.gov/CMS A community-based comprehensive system of health care services available for Georgia’s children with chronic medical conditions from birth to 21 years who live in low-income households. Children’s Medical Services (CMS) provides care coordination and other needed medical/health services for eligible children and their families. CSRA Therapy Services, Inc. 2485 Hwy 88, Hephzibah 706-592-5565

SERVICES OFFERED: Developmental Medicine Occupational Therapy Speech and Language Augmentative Communication SPECIALIZING IN: Autism & Asperger’s Syndrome Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) School Problems Behavior Issues Equipment Clinic Severe Disabilities Delayed Milestones Children dependent on medical equipment 516 Georgia Avenue | North Augusta, SC 29841 | 803-426-1284 www.therecingcrew.com | info@therecingcrew.org

Karen Carter, MEd, MD University Professional Center 4, Suite 2100 1303 D’Antignac Street Augusta, GA 30901 Phone: 706.396.0600 | Fax: 706.396.0606

Leisure and Recreational Programs for individuals 6years of age & older with Visual, Hearing, Intellectual and/or Physical Disabilities

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www.facebook.com/CSRA-Therapy-ServicesInc-111479962238630/ Providing occupational and speech-language therapy services for children with special needs in the CSRA. Ducktails Pediatric Therapy & Wellness 568 Blue Ridge Dr., Evans 706-364-5262 www.ducktailspediatric.com Ducktails provides physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and athletic development for children from infancy through 21 years of age. Services address, but are not limited to, neuromuscular development and abnormal tone, developmental delay, balance and posture, sensory integration, ADHD, handwriting and fine motor skills, and speech language and auditory processing. Augusta University Developmental Pediatrics Medical Office Building, 3rd floor, Augusta 706-721-3791 www.augusta.edu/mcg/pediatrics/adolescentmed/developmentalpediatrics.php Specializes in developmental-behavioral pediatrics, general pediatrics and adolescent medicine. Accepts new patients by physician referral. Hitchcock Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy Center 690 Medical Park Dr., Aiken 803-293-4371 (children’s therapy) www.aikenregional.com/services/rehabilitation/ hitchcock-physical-occupational-and-speechtherapy-center A provider for adults and children, offering a full range of quality services including, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Lighthouse Care Center of Augusta 3100 Perimeter Pkwy., Augusta 706-651-0005 www.lighthousecarecenters.com Offers a serene residential setting for adolescent patients to recover from psychological issues and/or substance abuse. In addition to clinical care, a number of recreational opportunities and an accredited on-campus school are available. These services aid patients in recovery by keeping their minds and bodies active and providing an opportunity for social interaction. They also offer an acute care unit and partial hospitalization. Neuro-Developmental Treatment Programs, Inc. 817 Crawford Ave., Augusta 706-736-1255 ndtprograms@gmail.com www.ndtprograms.com NDT Programs is a small outpatient PT and OT clinic that specializes in serving those with developmental disabilities of all ages (birth through adult). Services are individualized to meet

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the family desires and are offered in a variety of settings including home-based infant intervention, clinic based, aquatic or pool-based and therapy at a community gymnastic center. The Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Center at Children’s Hospital of Georgia 706-721-5437 www.augustahealth.org/childrens-hospital-ofgeorgia/pediatric-specialties/pulmonary-cysticfibrosis/pediatric-cystic-fibrosis-center Offers in and out-patient care and education by pediatric pulmonologists. It is one of only two facilities in Georgia accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Sensational Kids! Pediatric Rehabilitation 3580 River Watch Pkwy, Martinez 706-364-3470 Sensational.kids@comcast.net www.sensationalkids.net A full-service therapy practice offering a unique blend of services for children and families with special needs that specializes in evaluation and intervention for infants and children (birth to 13 years) who have various developmental challenges. Therapeutic Interventions of Georgia 2315-C Central Ave., Augusta 706-364-6172 info@tiofga.com Offers occupational therapy, feeding therapy, physical therapy and speech-language therapy to pediatric patients. Facilities feature private speech therapy rooms, an outdoor playground, and OT and PT gyms. Therapy Solutions, LLC 2250 Woodside Executive Ct., Aiken 803-226-0146 uscslp@bellsouth.net www.therapysolutionsllc.net A private company offering pediatric speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and early intervention services. An early intervention team provides support and services in the home, daycare or clinic setting. Therapy Trails, LLC 5176 Wrightsboro Rd., Grovetown 706-842-3330 info@therapytrailsga.com therapytrailsga.com A private practice offering speech therapy, feeding therapy & occupational therapy.

MILITARY FAMILIES Fort Gordon Exceptional Family Member Program Command Support Center, Bldg. 35200, 271 Heritage Park Ln., Fort Gordon 706-791-1918 www.fortgordon.com/programs This program, designed to aid active-duty service,

provides information and coordination of services in addition to respite care for any family member who has a chronic medical problem or special education need, regardless of age, that limits ability to function on a daily basis and/or requires ongoing counseling, training, education, therapy or treatment. Assistance with issues receiving Social Security disability benefits.

RECREATION AND LEISURE The Family Y, Wilson Branch 3570 Wheeler Road, Augusta 706-922-9623 Adapted Aquatics Special Populations Individual Classes Contact Claudia Collins, Adaptive Aquatics Coordinator, at 706-922-9664 or at ccollins@thefamilyy.org. Financial assistance is available for all Family Y programs. www.thefamilyy.org/adapted/adapted-aquatics Adapted Aquatics offers one-on-one half-hour classes for all physically and developmentally challenged individuals of all ages. Specially trained staff uses swimming and aquatic fitness skills to improve participants’ independence and quality of life. Sessions are by appointment only. Family Y BlazeSports Team www.thefamilyy.org/adapted/adapted-aquatics For more information, please contact Claudia Collins, Adaptive Aquatics Coordinator, at 706-9229664 or at ccollins@thefamilyy.org. BlazeSports is a swim team for all ages of physically challenged swimmers that provides them an opportunity to train for competitions. (This program is part of the BlazeSports Clubs of America training for future Paralympians). Miracle League Baseball www.thefamilyy.org/adapted/miracle-league For more information, please contact Rina White, Sports Director, at 706-922-9597 or rwhite@thefamilyy.org. Provides a barrier-free baseball field for children and adults with disabilities to play on. Miracle League Teams play on a rubberized surface with flat bases that for allows safe play for those in wheelchairs or other assistive devices, such as crutches or walkers. Registration is open for ages 4 and up. Fall season runs September-October and spring season runs March-May. Teams practice and play are held at the sports complex located at the Uptown Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center. Kathryn M. York Adapted Aquatics Center (Katie’s Pool) www.thefamilyy.org/adapted/adapted-aquatics Contact Claudia Collins, Adaptive Aquatics Coordinator, at 706-922-9664 or at ccollins@thefamilyy. org. This pool is dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals with physical and cognitive

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disabilities. It is a shallow and deep-water therapy pool with a wheelchair ramp at the shallow end. It also includes adapted changing rooms with a lift system to accommodate disabled individuals and a state-of-the-art sanitation system. Total Access Gym www.thefamilyy.org/total-access-gym Contact Claudia Collins, Adaptive Aquatics Coordinator, at 706-922-9664 or at ccollins@thefamilyy.org. This facility, located off the fitness floor at the Wilson Family YMCA Branch, provides adaptive equipment for both a non-disabled exerciser and for people with mobility limitations, including those in wheelchairs. Each exercise piece is easily adjustable to each exerciser’s height and strength level. Camp Lakeside Contact Faye Hargrove at fhargrove@thefamilyy.org. www.thefamilyy.org/branch/camp-lakeside Serves children with disabilities or serious and chronic health conditions in a medically safe environment. Expanded programs for kids of all backgrounds and abilities so that every child can have access to learn, grow and thrive through the life-changing, thrilling experiences of camp. Camp Ivey Contact Sterling Ivey at snivey70@knology.net or campivey@thefamilyy.org. www.thefamilyy.org/ivey Camp Ivey is an overnight camp held at Camp Lakeside in Lincolnton, GA. The purpose of this adaptive camp is to empower high-functioning children with developmental disabilities by promoting independence in life- skills, relationships, physical activity and leisure, communication and self-confidence through recreation and the arts. Georgia-Carolina Council Boy Scouts of America 706-733-5277 www.gacacouncil.org Scouting programs are available for special-needs children. Georgia and South Carolina State Parks www.gastateparks.org www.southcarolinaparks.com Find state parks, historic sites, campgrounds and trails across the states that are accessible to people with disabilities. The RECing Crew 516 Georgia Ave., North Augusta Pamela Stickler, 803-426-1284 info@therecingcrew.org www.therecingcrew.org Based in North Augusta, The RECing Crew is a nonprofit organization providing leisure and recreation opportunities for all ages and disabilities. Fees vary but are nominal. Steps of Grace: Ballet for Special Needs 476 Flowing Wells Rd., G-2, Martinez.

912-531-2719 stepsofgrace@aol.com www.stepsofgraceballet.com Ballet and tap classes are offered for children with special needs, ages 3 and up, at Pulse Dance Center and are taught by Mallory Lanier, a pediatric occupational therapist with more than 10 years of experience teaching ballet. Adult volunteers experienced in working with children with special needs are an integral part of the class. Students receive one-on-one assistance should they need it. The Foundation for Therapeutic Options 706-721-5437 www.therapyoptions.org A local nonprofit organization that provides therapy services to children in the CSRA. It is an opportunity for children to be recognized for their abilities instead of their disabilities. Marty Turcios’ Therapeutic Golf Foundation 3731 Wrightsboro Road, Augusta 706-495-4538 415-756-9671, Melody Lacy 706-231-0771, Marty Turcios (remember his speech impediment) www.therapeuticgolfclinic.com www.therapeuticgolfclinic.com/contact Using the sport of golf as a therapeutic recreation for people of disabilities several days a week. Participants can use the latest high-tech equipment at some of the most beautiful ranges in the South. Walton Foundation for Independence Adaptive sports, 706-823-8584 3103 Wrightsboro Road www.waltonfoundation.net Wheelchair tennis for all ages at the Newman Tennis Center. Adaptive Golf Clinics: For ages 15 and older, MarchOctober in Augusta and Aiken. Walton Foundation Camp to be Independent 706-823-8584 haley@waltonfoundation.net www.waltonfoundation.net/camps Camp TBI is a free, safe overnight summer camp environment for children and young adults, ages 8-21, with traumatic brain injury. Camp TBI staff provides one-on-one care, which increases the campers’ level of independence in the areas of personal hygiene, following a schedule, making friends appropriately and just having fun. Campers enjoy horseback riding, a ropes course, group games, sporting activities, swimming, fishing and arts and crafts along with social activities such as dances, karaoke and talent nights. Walton Winter Weekend 706-823-8584 www.waltonfoundation.net/camps Open to children ages 6-18 with physical disabilities and their families. Walton Winter

Weekend takes place in February at a fully accessible campsite where each family gets its own private cabin. Activities include fishing, ropes course, rock climbing wall, hayride, movie night and much more. This two-night camp is free for each family except for a $25 application fee.

SPEECH PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY Augusta Ear Nose Throat 340 N. Belair Rd., Evans 706-868-5676 720 Saint Sebastian Way, Augusta 706-868-5676 170 University Pky., Aiken 803-649-0003 www.augustaent.com A trained audiologist evaluates and treats hearing problems and related disorders. Augusta Hearing and Balance 1215 George C. Wilson Dr., Suite 3A, Augusta 706-993-2378 augustahearingandbalance@gmail.com www.augustahearing.com Dr. Rebecca B. Hopkins and Dr. E. Robin Bohannan perform hearing diagnostics for children. Bright Start 720 Gracern Rd., Suite 450, Columbia, SC 803-929-1112 (24 hours a day) brightstart@sc.rr.com www.brightstartsc.com With a location in Aiken, Bright Start is a private provider of speech therapy and autism services to children, teenagers and adults with special needs and developmental delays. Families of special needs children from infancy to age 6 benefit from the early intervention services offered. Children’s Hospital of Georgia Speech Pathology 1447 Harper St., 2nd floor, Augusta 706-721-5437 www.augustahealth.org/childrens-hospital-ofgeorgia/our-care/rehabilitative-services/speechpathology Children’s Hospital of Georgia’s speech pathologists provide individualized evaluation and treatments to help children with language problems or delays, hearing loss, stuttering, resonance issues, swallowing problems and other speech issues. Communication Station, LLC 601 N. Belair Square, Suite 19, Evans 706-364-1486 speechyleigh@yahoo.com Speech therapy for patients from infancy to 21 years. Specializing in autism spectrum disorders. Southern Medical Hearing Center 2816 Washington Rd., Suite 106, Augusta 706-993-3269 www.southernmedicalhearing.com Provides hearing aids, free hearing screenings,

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kids

SPECIAL

financing options and the gift of hearing to needy and qualified patients. Southern Otologic Clinic 818 St. Sebastian Way, Suite 204, Augusta 706-724-0668 www.moretzmd.com Provides evaluation and treatment of hearing issues. Hearing aid guidance and fitting for children and adults. University Hospital Speech and Hearing Center 1430 Harper St., Suite C3, Augusta 706-774-8666 or 706-774-3594 4321 University Pkwy., Suite 102, Evans 706-854-2630 www.universityhealth.org/specialty-units-centers/ speech-and-hearing University Hospital’s Speech and Hearing Center provides evaluation and treatment services for children with speech, language, feeding, swallowing and hearing disorders. The speech pathologists and audiologists strive to improve their patients’ ability to communicate and function as independently as possible.

SUPPORT GROUPS The 523 Gallery 523 13th Street, Augusta 706-823-8505 www.the523gallery.com The 523 Gallery is dedicated to art and artists with disabilities recovering from catastrophic illnesses or injuries and individuals with special needs. The gallery provides encouragement, inspiration and healing through works of art. Anchored Souls 706-394-0073 info@anchoredsouls.org Anchored Souls is a ministry for moms who have children with disabilities and for all moms in need of hope and encouragement. You can request a conference, retreat or anchor gathering in your area by emailing. Augusta Autism and Disability AugustaAutismandDisability@gmail.com www.facebook.com/ateam.chog Wesley United Methodist Church 825 North Belair Road, Evans Our group offers support to parents and caregivers of special needs children and meets twice each month, generally on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-8:00 at Wesley United Methodist Church on N. Belair Rd. in Evans. Details can be found on our Facebook page, “Augusta Autism and Disability Support Group”, and any questions can be directed to augustaautismanddisability@gmail.com. Blood Cancer/BMT Support Group 1411 Laney Walker Blvd.

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1st floor, Community Room 706-721-1634, Susan W. Doughtie www.augustahealth.org/classes-and-events This group provides educational and emotional support to patients, families, friends and caregivers. Meets third Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.1 p.m. JDRF Type One Nation www.typeonenation.org Provides an online support group and information for parents of children with juvenile diabetes.

TRANSITION SERVICES Accent on Independence 2606 Commons Blvd., Augusta 706-550-0527 www.facebook.com/AccentInc/ Promotes and enhances independence of adults with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. Augusta Training Shop 1704 Jenkins St., Augusta 706-738-1358 www.augustatrainingshop.com A nonprofit work center that employs mentally and physically challenged adults. They learn to repair, strip and refinish furniture, re-cane chairs and polish metals with the goal of performing purposeful work independently. Center for Financial Independence and Innovation 794 Marietta St., Suite 93862, Atlanta 404-385-7029 www.cfiiga.org The agency’s goal is to make independence affordable by improving the financial selfsufficiency of Georgians with disabilities. Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency 1220-D West Wheeler Pkwy., Augusta 706-650-5600 844-367-4872 www.gvra.georgia.gov Promotes independence of people with disabilities by aiding with employment, accessibility and living accommodations. Serenity Behavioral Health System 3421 Mike Padgett Hwy, Augusta 706-432-4800 www.serenitybhs.com Provides supported vocational opportunities for people with disabilities. South Carolina State-wide Independent Living Council 720 Gracern Rd Ste 106, Columbia, SC 803-217-3209 scsilc@scsilc.com www.scsilc.com Promotes independent living for adults with

severe disabilities and their inclusion in mainstream society. South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department 855 York St. NE, Aiken, SC 803-641-7630 www.scvrd.net Provides an array of services to help people with disabilities find employment. State-wide Independent Living Council of Georgia 770-270-6860 www.silcga.org An advocacy organization that provides resources and answers to questions regarding independent living. Walton Options 948 Walton Way, Augusta 706-724-6262 www.waltonoptions.org Empowers people of all ages and all types of disabilities to reach their highest level of independence. The caring, trained staff work with clients to develop individualized plans and goals. Services include, but are not limited to, peer support groups, assistance with money management, assistance with nutrition and assistance with home modification and accessibility issues.

TRANSPORTATION ADA Paratransit Van Service 1535 Fenwick St., Augusta 706-821-1816, 706-821-1819 www.augustaga.gov Curb-to-curb van service available to qualifying individuals with permanent or temporary disabilities. Adaptive Driving Solutions 3585 Riverwatch Pkwy., Augusta 706-364-2688 www.accessiblevans.com www.augustamobility.com Specializes in wheelchair van rentals and sales. They also modify vehicles to make them accessible and install vehicle lifts. Georgia Department of Driver Services www.dor.georgia.gov/disabled-persons-licenseplates-and-parking-permits Application for a disabled parking permit is on the website. South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles Disabled Parking Permit www.scdmvonline.com/Vehicle-Owners/DisabledParking-Placards Click on the forms and manuals links.

Information is provided by the organizations listed or from their website and is subject to change.

Beauty AND BRIDLE By Dustin Turner | Photos by Chris Thelen

AUGUSTA FAMILY | JULY 2020 ï¿½ 39

“She is fearless; truly fearless. And she has taught me to be courageous. I see her do things that I think a neurotypical child has trouble with. I see her doing it, and I know it’s God’s grace,” explains Jacqueline Heider, mother of Leanna Heider, 15, who has ADHD, a developmental delay and cognitive disability that make learning, reading and writing challenging. Jacqueline attributes much of her daughter’s courage to her love of animals, especially horses. Leanna has been riding since she was 7. “She loves animals. Always has— dolphins, dogs, cats, chickens— any animals. She just loves them,” Jacqueline said. “We used to call her the Butterfly Catcher because butterflies just fly up and sit on her hands.” On an overcast day in early June, Jacqueline and Leanna are at Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs in Aiken to see what the facility has to offer. Great Oak provides individualized programs for people with special needs, whether it is physical, emotional or psychological. Director Nicole Pioli says the horses help students accomplish their goals. “Riding has built her confidence and given her something to feel good about,” Jacqueline says as Leanna rides a horse with help from Nicole and the Great Oak’s staff. “It has helped her with focus, too, because there are a lot of things you have to do when you are on a horse. It helps with focus and learning to follow commands because the trainer is telling you how to do things, and you have to follow along.” Leanna said riding a horse helps her feel calm. “They help me face my fears. Like if we’re going to jump, I start shaking, and they help me calm down because I hear them from inside my head.” Nicole understands exactly what Leanna means. “We have an autistic student here who rides,” Nicole explained. “He gets off the horse, and for 10 minutes, he just stares into Buddy’s eyes. They are having a conversation that we will never understand and can’t replicate. That student, though, feels like someone understands him.” Seeing her daughter ride has been beneficial for Jacqueline, too. “I’d always wanted to ride and never got a chance to, so I just figured I’ll live out my dreams through my child,” she said with a laugh. “We started getting her lessons, and she gave me the confidence to be able to ride at age 40-something.” The programs at Great Oak are designed, among other things, to help students find such confidence. Nicole tells the story of a student with a high level of anxiety and post-traumatic stress. “We were doing groundwork, which means she’s working with the horse and a rope halter to walk the horse through an obstacle course. All we wanted

TherapeuTic riding insTrucTor, grace Flanders, guides Buddy wiTh leanna 40 • AugustA FAmily | July 2020

her to do was ask the horse to step away from her. She came in the barn, and she’s hunched over and really quiet and is whispering, ‘Step back.’ Finally, she got strong and assertive, pulled her shoulders back and asked the horse with some authority. The horse backed up, and she immediately teared up because she got a 1,200-pound horse to listen and respect her. She might now look at people and think, ‘If I can get a 1,200-pound horse to back up, I can ask a person to get out of my space and not feel vulnerable anymore.’” Great Oak’s students range in age from 4 to 78. They have autism, muscular sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, anxiety, depression and more. “Their therapy depends on why they are here,” Nicole explained. “We tailor the therapy they receive to their needs, abilities and goals.” She gives the example of a student in a wheelchair. “When she mounts that horse, it might be the first time in her life where she is eye level or above somebody. Imagine what that does for her confidence. We have a student in a wheelchair who got Fitbit, and she said riding the horse was the first time her Fitbit has measured steps.” Great Oak’s four instructors are certified through the Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship. The horses also go through an assessment and training process before working with students. “It’s all about the relationship with the horse,” Nicole said. “They teach life skills– responsibility and ownership of your behaviors and actions. We all know how lucky we are to be doing what we do here.” One big misconception, Nicole said, is that the classes are not difficult for the horses, because it is not physically taxing. “But we ask a lot from them emotionally to give that feedback to a rider. They have to respect the person who’s leading as well as the person on their back, and many horses never have to do that.” Leanna has gotten off the horse and is excited about giving Buddy some treats. Her mother smiles as she watches. “I look at her every night before she goes to bed, and I say, ‘God has made you beautiful, and He is going to use you for His glory.’ Because of Leanna, I have started a nonprofit that supports moms of children with special needs. I could never have done that without a child who has a disability.” When asked what she wants to do when she grows up, Leanna smiles from ear to ear and quickly responds: “I want to ride and train horses to connect with people.” Dustin Turner is the Communications and Content Manager for Alison South Marketing Group. He lives in Aiken with his amazing, beautiful and very patient wife of 22 years, Jamie, and their artistic, sassy and fierce daughter, Abigail, 12. Dustin enjoys writing, shooting and editing video and acting and directing in community theatre.

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A mother’s reAlity oF

Raising a Child with

Special NeedS By Dr. Dana Harris arenting is hard work. In today’s society, it can be a most demanding and challenging endeavor. It can include a range of emotions from satisfaction and joy to not-so-pleasant feelings of anxiety and frustration. Few people realize how overwhelming it is to be a parent… until they become one. We know that perfect parenting is an illusion and there are no special formulas for assured success. But what if you suddenly come to understand that your child has other difficulties that alter your expectations, leaving you with bigger challenges to overcome?

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Nothing can prepare you for the emotions of parenting a special needs child– a situation that always includes unexpected obstacles. Raising a child with special needs can add a type of stress to life than most people will not understand. It leaves parents feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and stretched beyond their limit. There are days when feeling alone is the only thought you have while juggling doctor and therapy visits, hospital bills, insurance companies and pharmacies. You may even experience a deep sadness for the child you love so deeply.

milestone is— share it with those who love you and your child. The small things are often huge parts of a parent’s world.

Take a deep breaTh because you are noT alone. About one in four families with children in the U.S. have a special needs child. Currently, there are about 6.6 million special needs children in American public schools, making up approximately 13 percent of the school population. Having a positive attitude helps, but having a realistic outlook and admitting your fears and concerns will make the process easier. The following list of suggestions and affirmations can help lighten the load. I hope each will help provide you with a sense of reassurance and renewed comfort. •

Recognize Your Strength. You may not leap buildings in a single bound or run faster than a speeding bullet, but you are superhero none the less. Every day, you manage situations that other parents would think are impossible. Take care of yourself. Allow time to recuperate and relax so you can maintain your energy. Think of your energy as a pitcher of water. If you constantly pour out the water (your energy) and never refill the pitcher, you have nothing to give at the end of the day. Maintaining a healthy mind and spirit is a prerequisite to effective parenting.

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Seek Companionship. Emotional support is crucial. Surround yourself with people who provide the positive energy you need. When facing serious emotional difficulties, it is helpful to join a support or advocacy group. Consider looking for a support group for parents of children with special needs. Most well-meaning parents of typically developing children may not be able to provide the kind of support you need, or they might find the conversation awkward because they are unable to offer practical help. Having a dedicated community of parents with similar struggles will make daily life more manageable.

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Remain Engaged. While being the parent of a child with special needs is part of your identity, it is not all your identity. Find time for personal peace and solitude like enjoying a glass of fine wine, listening to some favorite music, arranging a social gathering on a Saturday afternoon or spending the day shopping. Connect with others who can relate to your journey. Accept help from friends and family by letting others know what you need.

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Listen to Instincts. You are your child’s best advocate because you know your child. Give yourself permission to ask questions, get multiple opinions and ask your doctor about the research. Research your child’s condition by reading journals, researching and listening to other parents of special needs children. Trust your instincts. Doctors, teachers and therapists are all fantastic resources, but if you don’t feel like you’re being heard or that your child’s needs are not being met, it’s reasonable to get a second opinion.

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Celebrate the Little Things. Celebrate in style those accomplishments that seem small to others but are huge for your child. Kids develop differently. Some skills they may grasp, and others they may never master. A first step on their own, a word, a sentence, a smile, a hug— whatever that

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Protect Your Inner Parent. You are a pharmaceutical dispensary, an at-home therapist, an insurance specialist and a medical examiner. But you are firstly a parent. While everything on your calendar is important, it’s necessary to make room to play, laugh, be silly and enjoy your kids. Read, snuggle and engage with them in their worlds. Take time to appreciate your children and love them as individuals.

I have heard it said that you never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have. I found this testimonial to be true on the morning of March 8, 2017, when my husband and I received a chilling phone call from Atlanta. The voice on the phone shared that our daughter gave birth to her newborn son at 27 weeks. What was most alarming was that she delivered her newborn all alone at home without any warning signs! Immediately after processing the news, we drove to Atlanta to discover that a tiny miracle had come into this world weighing only 2 pounds and three ounces. Over the next days, our grandson was in a fight for his life in the NICU. He remained there for roughly 60 days, where he received the best of care from a qualified medical team of experts. Yet, a dark cloud hovered over us as our daughter had to undergo several surgeries immediately following her delivery. I am extremely pleased to reveal that both mother and son are doing quite well. Last year, my daughter’s son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a nonprogressive neurological condition marked by impaired muscle coordination, a disorder that affects about 8,000 -10,000 babies each year. My grandson, Bryce, is now 3 years old and uses a walker, specifically designed to help with his mobility. It is amazing to watch him smile as he maneuvers from one place to another. He is a master traveler. Raising a child with a disability is an awesome responsibility with exceptional rewards. Seemingly small advances are always a cause for celebration. The more you serve your child the deeper your love grows, becoming one of your greatest successes. My daughter once shared, “The things I have learned most from my son and the struggles I have endured during these past 2 ½ years could never be taught. Virtues such as compassion, humility, confidence, patience, joy and empathy are life rewards. I have come to understand the value of these traits on a more personal level after having experienced each of them firsthand through parenting a special need’s child. The road ahead may be long and uncertain, but I’m ready to tackle the twists and turns, and anything in between, while enjoying the many sweet moments with my child.” As a mother and grandmother, I have always known that we are compelled to make the most of this life, but even more motivating are the dreams we hold for our children. At the end of the day, it’s all about nurturing grateful attitudes for all the goodness in the now and fanning the flames of hope, courage, optimism and determination for what lies ahead. Dr. Dana Harris is a former Richmond County public school educator, elementary school teacher, professional staff development consultant & principal. She is a public speaker & freelance writer with more than 37 professional years in the educational arena. She is currently retired, a wife of 41 years, a mother and grandmother of two beautiful grandkids, London & Bryce.

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inspiration station Jo sh Heat h

44 â&#x20AC;¢ AugustA FAmily | July 2020

Music Therapist Hits the Right Note

eyond being a source of entertainment, music has many potential psychological and cognitive benefits, such as improving mood, providing an outlet for emotional expression and developing social skills. Veronica Andreassen-Barker loves helping her clients enjoy these benefits as a board-certified music therapist with the Augusta Symphony’s Community Chords outreach program. Specifically, Andreassen-Barker provides free music therapy to groups of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in partnership with local disability support service providers, such as Accent, Inc., and the Tri-Development Center of Aiken County. This type of therapy “uses music to help people reach non-musical goals,” which can be physical, social, emotional or psychological, she says. According to Andreassen-Barker, music therapy is used in a variety of settings, including mental health, hospice and skilled nursing facilities. Music therapists even work with infants in neonatal intensive care units, she says. Andreassen-Barker was hired by the Symphony in August 2019 and held her first therapy group in October. The groups normally meet at the Knox Music Institute, which is housed above the Box Office at the Miller Theater. Music therapy incorporates listening to music, playing instruments and discussing music. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the institute has been closed since mid-March, but AndreassanBarker continues providing therapy by conducting telehealth sessions with her clients. She says she chooses types of music her clients enjoy. “I’m constantly learning new music,” Andreassen-

Barker says. She describes playing Kenny Chesney songs for a group of country music fans. Being involved in these groups helps her clients build connections with one another, she says. “Creating a community in music is what makes me happy,” says Andreassen-Barker. While many young adults change their career plans frequently, that wasn’t the case for her. After watching a TV news story about music therapy at New York University with her grandmother, Andreassen-Barker was inspired to become a music therapist in the eighth grade. “Once I learned about a caregiving profession that involved music, I was sold,” she says. A mother of three, she has always loved music, but what she enjoys most about her career is interacting with the people she helps. “I’ve been a musician for most of my life,” AndreassenBarker says. She grew up playing the piano and performed in church. “Music therapy allows the spotlight to be on other people, not me,” she says. At Furman University, Andreassen-Barker studied music and psychology and she earned a master’s degree in counseling with an emphasis on music therapy from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Before joining the Symphony staff, AndreassenBarker worked as a music therapist in mental health and hospice facilities. Music therapy is the newest part of Community Chords, which also includes Veterans Outreach and School Outreach programs. Josh Heath is a freelance writer and contributor of Augusta Family Magazine.

AugustA FAmily | July 2020 • 45

t h e

Modern p e r s p e c t i v e

When did your interest in art start? My mom put me in several summer art camps in 2017. We had a Jackson Pollock week and that’s when I truly expressed myself. I don’t paint like other kids. Since Pollock was an abstract artist, this was a great fit for my abilities. My teacher, Ms. Nicola, was instrumental in helping to uncover my hidden talents as she thought and worked outside of the box to ensure I could participate with the class in my unique way.

What do you enjoy most about painting? What is most challenging? I can express myself and create something. The most challenging thing is being dependent on others to help me with the supplies and working on their timeline.

How long does it take you to complete a painting/a set of cards? I usually complete a painting in an hour, unless I am trying something new, then it could take a couple of days. To complete a set of cards depends on how I am feeling and how cooperative my helpers are.

Photo by Charmane Freeman-Greene

Noah Williams is an 11-year-old boy living an exceptional life. He was a 26-week micro-preemie with a dismal prognosis for life. Daily, Noah is confronted with obstacles due to cerebral palsy, epilepsy and visual impairment. But, Noah continues to embrace life through a variety of ways like assistedrunning, public speaking and art. Noahland Art was founded in a unique way. Noah attended a local art camp where kids wanted to paint their national flags. Many countries were represented from China to Israel to the United States. When arriving at Noah’s flag, one of the campers said “It’s Noahland!” And that is how Noahland Art was born. Welcome to his “country” where being differently-abled does not mean less than— it just means different. It is a place where he refuses to be defined by his disabilities and chooses to be embraced for his uniqueness. Noah likes to travel and spend time with family and friends. He makes people think past textbook knowledge, is a prankster who loves to laugh and indulges his mom in trying new activities. Noah uses his art in a line of personal greeting and thank you cards.

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What are some preconceptions about special needs kids/artists that you hope to correct? My mom says I’m differently-abled. She says words create pictures and people make up stories from those pictures. People think because they see my disabilities, and they are significant, that I can’t do anything. That is just not true. I am funny, charming, creative, charismatic, very observant, and, at times, mischievous, yet many people don’t take the time to get to know me to see that side of me. When you meet someone with a disability, you have done just that— met one person with a disability, and not all disabilities are visible. People are more similar than different. We work hard just like everyone else. We understand way more than we are given credit. We can be slow, just know we’re processing. If I don’t get the chance to try, I automatically fail. If you do not expect anything from me or are not willing to challenge me, why should I work to prove you wrong? Les Brown says, “No one rises to low expectations.” Visit www.augustafamily.com to see more of Noah’s artwork and information on Noah’s art and cards for purchase.