Over the course of her 22 years, Jennifer Walter has played softball in the community recreation league, been a member of the upper elementary cheerleading squad, participated in Girl Scouts, attended homecoming and prom during her high school years, traveled to Chicago, Washington, D.C., Florida, and Georgia, graduated from her community high school with honors, and began attending a local community college. This might seem fairly typical except that Jennifer is also a person who has severe cerebral palsy which affects all aspects of her life and health and has caused the need for multiple surgeries and therapis over the years.
Early on as an elementary school student Jennifer made it clear that she wanted to be a part of her home community for school, recreation and life in general. She has been a pioneer as the first student with a severe disability to be included in her community's schools. Aspects of her successful transition from school to adult life have included hiring her own personal care assistant, attending community college, selling her artwork and holding an office in the local People First chapter. Recently, Jennifer received an Associate in General Studies from Lewis & Clark Community College through their Supported School to Work Program.
Over the summer Jennifer will have parivate painting lessons with her artist mentor Angel. This fall, she will continue at Lewis and Clark and has decided to take classes in yoga, art, music, self-advocacy and computers with assistive technology.
Jennifer's dream is to be self-employed as an artist and, with the support of her family and friends; she is well down the road in setting up her business. Jennifer's active participation in plannings for her chosen adult life goals has changed the outlook of many in her school and community about the possibilities for youth with disabilities.
About her experiences, Jennifer says, "I am proud. Community College gave me confidence and dreams to be more independent. With my communication device I can talk in front of people. I love my art. I love to be active and learning and have friends."
Jennifer's quality lifestyle has come about with a great deal of hard work and commitment but everyone agrees it has been worth the effort. Ann Turnbull, a parent, researcher and author says, "Great expectations become realities. If you don't believe it - it won't happen. We need new perspectives at what life can be as well as support for fulfilling those dreams."
