January, 2005

It is now 2005, when I look back to last year it was quite adventurous and very exciting. You left Wanaque Nursing and came to JFK where you have been making great strides. They have decreased some of your therapies because they said you needed a break and you were not being consistent. However, you were eating pureed dinners at night and saying a few words and communicating.

We found a wonderful teacher for you, her name is Susan and she is more than anyone could possibly ask for. She is a stay at home Mom and is looking for part time. She comes at 9:30 and stays until 12 or 12:30. We purchased Big Mac switches that are programmed to say yes or no and you are using them to communicate. She brings you to the computer and is guiding you with the mouse to do different things and you are doing well.

There is a special woman, her name is Celeste and she is very knowledgeable working with disabled young people. She came to the center one morning and worked with Susan and observed you in action. She was very impressed and encouraged by some of what she saw and what you were able to do. She is putting together a basket of goodies, things for you to smell and touch. She is making suggestions to Susan and will be coming back to work with you again. She is so excited and so am I. I am so proud of you and how hard you are working