Pam (56), Muscular dystrophy, Davidson County

“Like many of us, Pam’s independence is the most important thing to her. ”

Mark (42), Autism, Davidson County

“I feel like if we got waiver services today it would be like being let out of prison. ”

Sharmane (38), Down syndrome, Davidson County

“Sharmane’s IQ cannot predict how much she has been able to achieve and learn.”

Frank (33), Traumatic Brain Injury, Davidson County

“Frank always credits the various state and federal programs that have supported him on his new path; the Americans with Disabilities Act, Social Security, Vocational Rehabilitation, Disabled Student Services, and the Federal Workforce Recruitment Program.”

Sharmane (38), Down syndrome, Davidson County

“Sharmane is 38 now, and I would love to take her back to those doctors and nurses who told me she wouldn’t be able to accomplish anything, and show them how wrong they were!”

Michael (43), Other, Davidson County

“My basic hope and prayer is that I outlive my son.”