I realize that it has been a while since we posted any updates on Shawn. Sadly, no news is good news, does not apply. Shawn still does not have a job, even though he really wants to work. My heart hurts every time he asks me when he will go back to work at the recycling center, tells me I used to work there, or talks about wanting to take the bus to work.I was recently working on a paper for one of my classes in my master's program and realized just how much I feel like I have failed Shawn. Shawn was excluded from academic opportunities during his education as a child. We often had to fight school districts to get Shawn the little services that we were able to get. In one of Shawn's middle school IEP meetings, the Occupational Therapist told us that if Shawn hadn't learned to write his name yet he was never going to and that it was a waste of resources to continue trying to teach him.
What I wouldn't give now to show her that he can and does write his name!
Shawn also never learned to read while in school. But now he has shown interest in it and is no longer eligible for education services.
Our goal is changing. We want to enroll Shawn in a home school program to try to teach Shawn to read and write. We are still looking for work and Shawn want's to be able to go to the Summer Bridge program again next year, which will cost another $3,000 or more.
Now on to some Good News, because it is better to end with happy news.
Shawn competed in the Unified Special Olympics Football game between UA and Ole Miss last month. He is going to Special Olympics bowling practice every week, and has started swim practice. His first swim meet will be this Friday.
Shawn is also looking forward to the Unified Special Olympics basketball season which starts in January.
Remember #smallthingsLeadToBIGTHINGS
Thank you for sharing in Shawn's journey,
Kat
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