On Disability Pride Month, two incredible young people with Special Education Needs and Disabilities are celebrated for their fantastic achievements.
Will, 24, from Charltons, is an example for all children and young people with SEND, that the sky is the limit.
At the age of two and a half, Will underwent behavioural and speech therapy for 12 months after being diagnosed with a learning disability.
The number and variety of activities Will got involved in over the years is more than impressive, from sailing with Oceans Youth Trust, and getting the Bronze Award in the Duke of Edinburgh project, to performing on stage in front of large audiences by singing at high profile events, award ceremonies and conferences.
Although he is too busy now with his job and volunteering, singing remains his passion and he never misses a chance to perform for his friends and families, and even for old people with Alzheimer.
A place very dear to Will’s heart is Beyond Boundaries, a working farm where children and young people with disabilities can learn various hand crafts, animal management and useful life skills. At 16, Will joined them as a volunteer and last year he secured a position as a paid member of staff, working with educationally disadvantaged people as their trusted support/mentor.
In his free time, he volunteers at Senses, a centre for people with disabilities and suffering from Alzheimer. He secured this opportunity through the Council’s Employment Development Officer within the LD Team, Omar Hijab.
Will said: “I’m the living proof that with the right support and people around you, anyone can do anything as long as they make those positive steps in their life.”
Mica, 24, from Eston, has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome from a young age, but that didn’t stop her from following her dreams and passion. One of her biggest achievements consists in three medals, two bronze and one silver, gained at the Special Olympics in 2019 in Abu Dabi, after she was invited to join British National Gymnastics Team.
Mica said: “I had so much support from my family and my friends. I really enjoyed my experience at the Special Olympics in Abu Dabi and I was very happy to win three medals and ribbons in the competitions.”
Similarly to Will, after being referred to Omar, Mica who was keen on helping other people, secured a role at Marske Hall care home, offering support to people with special needs, and a volunteer position at James Cook Hospital. She spends her spare time with the Backstreet Theatre Group, a community based theatre club formed by performers with varied degrees of learning disabilities.
Cabinet Member for Adults, Cllr Lisa Belshaw said: “As an Occupational Therapist I know how important it is that everyone is given the opportunity to be involved in valued and meaningful activities. Will and Mica are both exemplary young people who have shown hard work, determination and enthusiasm and their families deserve to be very proud of them. They show us all just how much a young person with Special Education Needs and Disabilities can achieve with the right kind of support. “
Families who are looking for further employment support for young people with Special Education Needs and Disabilities, can get in touch with the Council by contacting Tracy Hunter by email at Tracy.Hunter@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk or by phone at 07909906487.