August 2023 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton

A Superhero In Training!

Introducing you to John Maley

BY ANDREA HURR PHOTOS BY JULIAN CURET

The youngest of 3, John Maley III (6) is an animal loving bundle of fun. Although he is mostly nonverbal with Down Syndrome, John loves going to school and meeting new friends. He has a contagious smile and outgoing personality that keeps everyone on their toes. The Maleys have their share of obstacles raising a special needs son, but they keep a positive attitude and state “Every obstacle that we have overcome has been a truly exciting celebration that only other families with special needs can understand. We are grateful to build strength, character, and patience in the midst of it all.”

Every obstacle that we have overcome has been a truly exciting celebration that only other families with special needs can understand. We are grateful to build strength, character, and patience in the midst of it all.

John loves being a part of social events and interacting with peers and people in the community rate towards the top of his list. The Maleys enjoy attending inclusive events as “people with special needs should feel included and accepted,” says mom Jennifer. Although John is currently not participating in sports, he will be participating in this year’s Special Olympics at his school in May. What fun that will be.

As far as John’s future aspirations go, he wants to be a superhero such as The Hulk or Spider-Man and really enjoys watching professional wrestlers in WWE and practicing his best moves on his big sisters Angelica (17) and Kayla (10). He loves pizza, Rap, and Rock & Roll music, and SpongeBob and Bluey rate among his favorites. John is also a huge animal lover. He has 3 pugs and a Himalayan cat that bring him lots of joy.

The assistance of communication devices is used to improve John’s ability to communicate and starting 1st grade in the fall will only help him even more.

The assistance of communication devices is used to improve John’s ability to communicate and starting 1st grade in the fall will only help him even more. Jennifer wants everyone to know that “Ability does not equal value, you matter!!” Letting John know how special he is is important to the Maleys as they wouldn’t change him for the world! “We believe God has blessed us with an amazing son.” Amazing indeed! This young man will move mountains.

Lastly, Jennifer says that being a part of a community of other families who share the same struggles and obstacles is super helpful as they can all share their information and resources which reassures them that they are not alone. Don’t be afraid to get involved.