Shortly after Garys’ birth it was obvious he was not doing things the average child would do at their age and was diagnosed as having cerebral palsy. He participated in programs at United Cerebral Palsy of Will County and then Trinity Services until he attended Lincoln Way Special Education School.
After graduation, Gary entered a sheltered workshop setting at Cornerstone services and is still in that program. At age 39 he moved from his parents home to a group home with 3 other men and he is there yet today. He goes to the workshop every working day.
At their house Gary and his roommates are responsible for their rooms, their laundry and personal hygiene plus chores around the house. On weekends and evenings they participate in various recreational activities, such as Bocchi Ball, going to the movies, church, parks, etc.
Gary is non-verbal and has not responded to efforts to teach him sign language, probably because he feels he can get what he wants and needs with the sounds he can make and with gestures. For most of his life he has been in a wheelchair even though he has had 9 major surgeries. Despite being non-verbal and utilizing a wheelchair, Gary enjoys every day to the fullest.
