25 Stories Found
Showing stories 1 - 20 of 25
Results related to: 14 to 21 years
Stephen (17), Blind, Shelby County
“Stephen is confident that he will find a job, but one of his biggest concerns is being turned down simply because of his vision impairment.
”
Elizabeth (18), Blind, Shelby County
“She describes public school as a place that she went, accomplished her tasks, and hurried home. Wistfully, she explained the isolation she felt through her lack of participation in extra-curricular activities.
”
Wesley (18), Blind, Smith County
“I don’t tell people I’m blind for starters. I don’t feel like it’s something they need to know. Type one people, when they do find out I’m blind, are just like, “Oh okay.” And then there’s type two, who instantly switch to baby mode, like I’m completely
helpless. ”
Alex K (17), Blind, Jefferson County
“People clearly treated him differently, and at times, it was very frustrating for Alex because he knew he was the same person he was before his diagnosis.
”
Richard (14), Asperger Syndrome, Davidson County
“Un diferente cosa aquí en los Estados Unidos, es de los sordos están mejores que en de donde vive. Y por eso, no me ha regresado porque los sordos aquí son mucho mejores que en México. Y viven mucho mejor.
”
Jose (16), Autism, Rutherford County
“My brother does get more attention, but it doesn’t like bug me as much because I know he’s special. But when I talk to his teachers they’ll be like, 'Well you have to treat him a little bit more normal because if not, he’s not going to get better.'”
Alex (18), Blind, Fayette County
“I look at my disability and still consider myself lucky. I could have had so many other problems, and I just thank God every day.”
Maria (18), Blind, Davidson County
“Like any other teenager, she loves her family but eagerly awaits full independence.
”
Christopher (18), Cerebral Palsy, Shelby County
“It’s overwhelming to go to the school, and feel like you have to get down on your hands and knees and beg for services you know your children should have.
”
Lauren (21), Autism, Blount County
“Why can’t schools treat people with disabilities like they have a future?”
Grayson (21), Cerebral Palsy, Cumberland County
“After a certain point you say this is what we are. Let’s just be a family and let’s just live.”
Jennifer (21), Other, Hamblen County
“There seems to be resources out there but unless you are lucky enough to have some other parent tell you, you will go for years without knowing what is available.”
Adelai (15), Intellectual Disability, Davidson County
“In terms of educational instruction, Adelai’s IEP was ignored.”
Jake (14), Autism, Putnam County
“The key to acceptance is a willingness to be present with Jake, to join Jake on his terms.
”
Adelaide (14), Intellectual Disability, Davidson County
“As a strong advocate for justice, Adelaide’s mother believes that there are many improvements that can be made in order to make the lives of children and families of someone with a disability better.”
Dylan S (19), Autism, Gibson County
“We've been on the wavier list for about 10 years with no help in sight.”
Morgan (14), Autism, Davidson County
“Morgan and Allison each have something unique to offer the world. As parents, we want to do everything we can to help them reach their potential. Our goals for our daughters may be different, but the dream is the same. We want them both to lead happy and
fulfilled lives.”
Rachel (17), Down syndrome, Davidson County
“I wish there was more research on what happens to individuals with a disability once they become adults. It is not very clear what is to be expected after their twenties, and this lack of clarity leaves many families in the dark and scared for their child’s
future.”
Amanda (21), Other, Weakley County
“The state of Tennessee should be ashamed that its most vulnerable citizens are considered unworthy of care and services.
”
Mitchell (17), Other, Maury County
“Our family is in need of caregiver supports. I am a single mom and cannot afford to pay for someone to care for my son. My teenage daughter has been his caregiver. This is not fair to her.
”