Evan

Conway: Martial Arts (2nd season), ACTS Jr (2nd performance), Swimming (1st season), Respite Library Program (1 session),

Cerebral Palsy: "Barriers"... Evan's disability affects his balance and coordination, so he uses assistive devices to perform gross motor tasks like standing, walking, etc. He struggles to fully participate in a typical world without full accommodations.

We enjoy Community Connections because it allows Evan to participate, without question, in activities that would otherwise be unavailable to him without us trying to advocate for him to have a place/space. Advocating for your disabled child is part of daily life, but it is wonderful when there is a place that parents do not have to do that... their child is accepted just as they are.

Evan loves looking at the different activities offered and having so many choices. We went from a small town with zero choices for him, to a place that he has a huge buffet of options! He LOVES going to ACTS Jr to let out his creative juices with all the cool college kids, martial arts to practice being a ninja, and being part of a swim team like his sister.

Since moving to Conway, a little over a year ago, we have met so many wonderful people through Community Connections. I am so grateful for the support and confidence these programs give to kids (and parents) in the disability community.

Thank you to everyone that puts all the hard work into Community Connections! It is a blessing to our family!