James, who has cerebral palsy, was admitted as a resident at Matheny in 2003, just before his 10th birthday. James can’t walk or talk, but according to his mother, Cathy, “He seems to understand everything.” He has learned to communicate using interactive symbols on an electronic augmentative communications device. “He’s a very smart kid,” says his teacher, Peggy Zappulla.
Having James reside at Matheny has increased the quality time he’s able to spend with his mother and sister. “When your child is happy and comfortable,” says Cathy, “you can enjoy him instead of only caring for him all the time.”
James is one of nine “Special Stories” we’ve highlighted in our new brochure, which you can download here.
