Shawn's Going to College!

#smallthingsLeadToBIGTHINGS

It started with small changes, little things that we noticed were changing with Shawn. He was growing up, right before our eyes. Then suddenly the changes seemed huge, as though he grew up overnight and matured into a learning and independent young man.

Shawn is entering into his next stage of transitioning from being a student with special needs to being a young adult in the world.

Those who know him know he has some challenges that many others do not.  He has lived with his diagnoses of moderate to severe cognitive impairment, global seizure disorder, and autism spectrum disorder-yet overall he maintains a pretty positive outlook on the world.

We were interviewed for the WBRC Fox 6 News story on the Summer Bridge Program.

Summer Bridge gives college experience to students with intellectual disabilities

Shawn has made huge gains in the last year with his transition program at CrossingPoints interacting with typical college students and learning more independent living skills.  Some examples have been his work experiences at the University of Alabama student recreation center and his performance as the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz.  This summer he is taking the opportunity to live as a college student with the Summer Bridge program through CrossingPoints.

Most of us know that anything with the word "university" in it means "expensive," and this is no exception. While the program itself has several grants, Shawn still has to pay for Housing, Books, and tuition for any regular College courses he takes. However, unlike a regular college program, Shawn cannot receive any Grants, Scholarships, or Student Loans to cover these expenses. That is where this fundraiser will help. Even small donations can help!

Shawn's family has long been supportive of him, and now is no different, but while we thought we were helping, it seems that we have been holding him back.  In the past year his growth has been more than was ever expected, and this opportunity at the Summer Bridge program has potential to make so many positive differences in his life.

This program has the possibility to dramatically change the trajectory for Shawn's future.  It will help him develop more independent living skills, and potentially, give him the skills to live on his own.

The monies collected here will pay the tuition and some of his living expenses for this tremendous opportunity. Any money raised beyond those goals will be put into an ABLE savings account for Shawn to use for future education and supports.

We thank you for whatever you can do to help him out.
James and Katheryn Meadows

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