Walk with Ella

Ella was born in June 2006 and prior to her arrival, her parents were unaware that she had Down syndrome. When she was just 6 months old, Ella’s parents turned to UCP Easter Seals to receive special instruction and family education to help in Ella’s development. Ella is a delightful little girl who has demonstrated steady progress in her play, learning and independence as a young child. She is curious, shows determination and brings a smile to everyone’s face. Along with her UCP Easter Seals special instruction, she has the support, love and encouragement of her parents and family to grow and develop to the best of her ability.

Walk with Carrie

Through UCP Easter Seals Employment Collaborative, Carrie became a receptionist for the School District of Clayton where she enjoys being at the center of communications in the administration building. As the first voice callers hear when they phone the district and as the first point of contact for visitors, Carrie’s upbeat personality and smile are as important as her organizational skills. Carrie’s direct supervisor tell us that Carrie’s job responsibilities continue to grow as she masters each aspect of her position.

Carrie’s job coach says that she fits perfectly into her role and took to the position from the very beginning. Her job coach was with her every day when she started her job, but now she simply checks in regularly to make sure things are going smoothly. Every time her job coach visits her, Carrie tells her “I really like my job.”

Walk with Ben

Ben is 21 years old and has been receiving services from UCP Easter Seals Heartland since he was 11. With a diagnosis of Autism, Ben and his family turned to the In Home Program for life skills therapy that would help Ben develop his social skills and also a reading coach. Before working with his current reading coach, Ben attended 36 different reading programs, but any break in therapy would cause Ben to lose the skills he had gained. His current reading coach has challenged him so that he is able to retain his skills and he has now read some of the classics such as Moby Dick. Ben also continues to receive life skills coaching to help him in social situations. He continues to make strides and tells us that he wouldn’t be where he is today without the services he received from UCP Easter Seals.

Walk with Jerry

Jerry attends the UCP Easter Seals Adult Day Program in Manchester. The adult day program is a great place for Jerry because he loves to be around people, talking and making new friends. He is great on the computer and enjoys playing games and going on the internet to read articles. One of his favorite sites is Mapquest, where he can find places and directions. While at UCP Easter Seals Adult Day Program, Jerry also likes to help out staff with various projects including mailings. Most of all, what is special about Jerry is his compassion and kindness toward everyone and his love of helping people.

Walk with Ashley

Ashley is a fun loving 23 year-old and has attended UCP Easter Seals Adult Day Program since graduating from high school. She lives with her parents and enjoys going out with friends, listening to music and writing letters. While at UCP Easter Seals Adult Day Program, Ashley enjoys participating in the Women’s group and entertaining everyone with her singing. When you meet her at the Walk, be sure to ask about her bowling trophies.