Gabe’s Freshman Year
Written by admin on March 24, 2009 – 10:06 am -Gabe just finished his second quarter of college. The time has flown by. He is doing well and enjoying classes. We are learning along the way.
Gabe stays at a dormitory. The University of Washington provided him with a great wheelchair accessible room. They have been very accomodating. They added a new automatic door that opens both his room door and the hall door with a press of a button or the swipe of his keycard. It makes it so much easier to enter and exit his room.
We had a meeting with the Department of Vocational Rehab a few weeks ago. We needed to iron out some misunderstandings about Gabe’s desire to major in Education. It was discussed that there was concern about that vocation because Gabe wears a hearing aid. We were able to agree that we all think Gabe would do a phenominal job as a teacher and we do not think his hearing aid is going to pose a problem. We still have some documentation to provide DVR for their records but I think we are now on the same page.
Gabe’s aid services are provided by Chesterfield Housing Services. They did a great job matching him with two caregivers who help him during the day. He’s learnng to be more independent so we are evaluating how many hours he needs this personal care. We appreciate the care we’ve received so far.
This transition to college is getting easier for me and Steve. It was difficult at first to release Gabe to the care of someone else. As we’ve watched him learn and grow along the way, we are able to understand that everything is going to be okay.
I’m reminded all the time that he is now an adult. I’m wearing a consultant hat now. I’ve retired my mom hat. I’m learning to only give advice if he asks for it. Boy that’s hard isn’t it?
Posted in News | 1 Comment »
By Angie on Aug 11, 2009 | Reply
Gigi,
I admire your family for building this foundation and sharing with others. I wish this technology had been available when my son was suffered a spinal cord injury. Although different, in many ways their challenges are similar. I had to comment when I read this blog. One of the scariest times in my life was leaving my son, Richard, in a different State as he transitioned to grad school. Wow! He blossomed even more with each accomplishment. As a parent – the pride in watching this happen is indescribable. I have learned to cherish the tears as much as the laughter. I totally agree, I will always be mom yet it is harder to do when you are waiting to be asked:)
I also want to thank you and Steve for allowing Gabe to spread his wings. I work with many with disabilities who, sadly, hold back by having low expectations of their child. Your organization will be instrumental in allowing parents to see the possibilities.
Angie