IMPACT: Cal and Quinten’s Story
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.
At nineteen years of age, Quinten attends CSU and Cal is a freshman at UNC and attends 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.
Thank you, Cal, for staying in touch and sharing your story!
Inclusion Advocacy Speaker Series – Dan Habib on 9/23
Sewall has a series of exciting speakers lined up over the next few months. You won’t want to miss the first speaker, Dan Habib, on Wednesday, September 23, at 6 PM.
Dan will describe his family’s fight to ensure an inclusive education for their son, Samuel, and will make a powerful case for ending the systemic segregation of people with disabilities in all aspects. Dan will share how inclusive education is not only preparing for adult life in the community, but will also describe the powerful impact that inclusion has on students and adults without disabilities. BIO: Creator of award-winning documentary films that focus on intellectual, emotional, and developmental disabilities including Intelligent Lives, Who Cares About Kelsey?, and Including Samuel plus other short films. More information to come about all the speakers. Please watch your email.
Register for Dan Habib’s Talk on 9/23 at 6 PM >>
Welcome to Our New Board Members
Danielle LaCroix
Danielle is a parent from Sewall’s program at The Zone for Inclusive Learning in Green Valley Ranch. She’s a teacher with a Master Degree in Psychology on her journey to complete her Doctorate Degree in Special Education. She recently moved to Colorado last year from Atlanta, Georgia, with her significant other and her three children ages 3, 4 and 5 . In her role as a teacher, she’s seen the beautiful impact that a positive role model in a leadership capacity can have on children and young adults. Danielle wants to continue to be a part of that beautiful impact as a board member. She wants to continue to sharpen her knowledge of ethical manners by being around Sewall’s seasoned board members. Being a board member will allow her to do what is needed for children and their families while they are young, which will empower them become great citizens in our society.
Danielle is a member of the Denver Great Kids Head Start Policy Council and a member of the Parent Policy Committee at The Zone. She currently teaches students with learning disabilities at Green Valley Ranch High School.
David Solano
David Solano is a Sewall alumnus. His parents brought him to Sewall in 1976 for early intervention services. He was born with arthrogryposis, a condition that causes joint contractures, or a loss of joint movement due to a shortening of the muscles. David believes that Sewall is an amazing place. It helped him get started in life. It ingrained in his brain that he belongs everywhere.
David has a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and has 22 years of knowledge from the field of education as a teacher at the Cartwright Elementary School District in Phoenix, Arizona. He’s on the school leadership team where he helps many young teachers develop. He is a coach for the school district’s junior high basketball team, and runs a youth program called Solano’s No Limit Hoops nights. He and his wife, Angel, are the parents of two girls, ages 14 and 6.
“I care about building kids. If you build kids, you win.” – David Solano
19th Annual (Virtual) Beacon Celebration
Join us via Zoom or Facebook Live on Thursday, November 19, as we celebrate 76 years of serving Denver. Although we will not be able to meet in person, we have a fun evening in store: from Reggie’s authentic humor and charismatic style, to Dr. Temple Grandin’s key insights, to an exciting paddle raiser and silent auction – all to benefit the more than 600 children and their families served by Sewall.
During this time of social distancing, now’s a great time to checkout Temple Grandin the movie.
It’s available for rent on Amazon and Youtube.
Over the past school year…
You have helped make a difference in your community! See how your support has impacted the world around:
Early Childhood Development Fact
Did you know that 75{3636cb0a451a12ed88382a3e0ed28b2223ede70e167d2b3efd87582f6f12e3da} of human neurological development takes place before age 5?
Click the button above or text “Sewall” to 50155 to make a donation.
Supporters of Sewall who reside in Colorado and file Colorado state taxes qualify for a 50{3636cb0a451a12ed88382a3e0ed28b2223ede70e167d2b3efd87582f6f12e3da} state income tax credit in addition to the regular state and federal income tax deductions. All cash gifts qualify for the Colorado Child Care Contribution Credit (CCCC).