SEWALL PROGRAMS OFFER HIGH-QUALITY EARLY EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN
“It was amazing to watch our son’s progress at Sewall. My husband summed it up best when he said that Tyler had always been in his own little world — but now, for the first time in his life, he really wants to be in ours.”– Julie O’Neil, mom of Tyler, a Sewall student with autism
“Initially, we were attracted to Sewall because of the low student-teacher ratio and the highly trained and skilled staff. But the benefits for our children were so much greater. The encouragement and supportive environment do wonders for self esteem and the exposure to a diverse population of children with varying talents and abilities teach life lessons of acceptance, cooperation and being inclusive. Sewall is an “undiscovered gem” outside of the special needs community. Families with typically developing children need to be made aware of Sewall as an excellent early childhood option for any child.”– Charon Earnest, parent of 2 Sewall graduates and Board Member
“Finding Sewall and enrolling Elliot there is one of the best decisions we have made. I am so grateful that we found such a wonderful place where Elliot has so much love shown to him everyday — by his teachers, his therapists and his peers. We have found a place for Elliot where he is not different, but just another one of the kids.”– Mary Corbett, Mom of Elliot, a Sewall student with special needs
FROM PARENTS OF SEWALL GRADUATES
“At Sewall, we saw Evan’s enjoyment and progress during the 5 days of camp. He is accepted and valued for who he is as a person.” – Mother of child with autism.
“It was amazing to watch our son’s progress at Sewall. My husband summed it up best when he said that Tyler had always been in his own little world – but now, for the first time in his life, he really wants to be in ours.” – Julie O’Neil, parent of child with autism.
FROM INCLUSIVE PRESCHOOL TO INCLUSIVE HIGHER EDUCATION
Cal and Quinten are twin brothers, amazing young men, and Sewall alumni! They were born in January of 2001; Cal with cerebral palsy and Quinten with no disabilities. During their early childhood years, their parents, Heidi and Rich, knew it was important for Cal and Quinten to attend the same early childhood education program. Unfortunately, finding a program in 2003 that would benefit both children was difficult. After searching long and hard, Heidi and Rich were referred to Sewall: the one program that would provide high-quality early childhood program while ensuring that Cal received the additional supports necessary for his success. Cal learned alongside his peers, and therapeutic and special education services were embedded in the classroom. For their family, Sewall was important. It set the stage for both of their education very early, opened their minds to inclusivity, and gave them confidence throughout all of their education of the benefits of inclusion. Now many years later, it’s all coming to fruition.
(Below left: Preschool; below right, as university students in 2020: Quinten at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, and Cal at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.)
THEN: Quinten and Cal’s interview from September 2020
At 19, Quinten attends Colorado State University (CSU) and Cal is a freshman at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, (UNC) attending the new Goal Program. Sewall staff had a chance to get Cal’s perspective the week before starting college:
Q: When you get to this program, what will it be like?
Cal: Students will get extra time on exams and extra time to think. I don’t know answers right away, and it gives me time to think about it.
Q: Are you good about asking for help?
Cal: Sometimes I am. Sometimes I’m really quiet.
Q: What would you say to all of the Sewall preschoolers?
Cal: Be ready for the big world.
The foresight, courage and persistence of this family to choose a different path instead of accepting the path that is set for people with disabilities is often ‘the road not taken.’ We look forward to hearing more about Cal and Quinten and how inclusivity supports both of them on their future journeys.
NOW: Cal and Quinten check in with us in September 2022
Q. Cal and Quinten, tell us what you are studying at UNC and CSU? Tell us a little bit about what drew you to that field of study and why you are passionate about it?
Cal: I’m studying early childhood education. I like little kids.
Quinten: I am a senior a CSU studying Data Science. I like math and econ and it was a good degree melding the two.
Q. As an Alumna of Sewall, what experiences / takeaways / fond memories can you share with us of your time at Sewall?
Cal: I liked helping the kids open up their lunchboxes (from Cal’s time volunteering). I can’t remember being in preschool at Sewall because it was such a long time ago.
Quinten: I don’t remember much about my time there because I was so young. My impression because of my brother is that Sewall is a bridge between typically developing children and children with special needs.
Q. What would you tell prospective parents that are considering Sewall for their child’s education, based on YOUR experience at Sewall?
Cal: Sewall is a great place. Going to school there helps your kids learn skills they’ll need for life.
Quinten: Sewall is also a great place for your children who are typically developing.
Q: Cal, You worked at an Easter Seals summer camp this past summer. Tell us about your experience with that and what did you enjoy the most about that experience?
Cal: I stayed at camp all summer and lived there. I loved helping the kids in wheelchairs. I also enjoyed hanging out with the other staff and counselors. We went for hikes. My job was working in the dining hall pushing chairs in, wiping down tables and taking the trash out. I worked Sunday through Thursday each week.
Q. Share with us your dreams and goals after graduating.
Cal: My dream after I graduate is to become a para for a preschool. It would be my dream to work at Sewall.
Quinten: I don’t know yet exactly what I want to do after I graduate in May. I’m considering jobs in the government (like NASA or FBI) and also in business.
