Impact Update: Jonathan
From the beginning of his time there, one of Jonathan’s goals at Bell’s Always Include Me (AIM) program was to go on outings. As a member of the autism community, he is extremely sensitive to everything around him, and is really challenged by this activity.
As reported in the nomination of Jonathan for a Bell Personal Achievement award this past fall, he was encouraged toward his goal through a series of steps: one day, walk to the van; another day, go to the van and sit inside, and on another day, go to the van, sit inside and buckle his seatbelt, all leading to the day when he felt comfortable riding to the park, and eventually – in fact, right around the time he received his award – getting out of the van to ride the swings!
AIM Day Program Supervisor, Alicia Jones, shared this month, “I’m happy to report that with his perseverance and steady encouragement from staff, Jonathan has been doing great! He now gets out nearly every day and even went out twice in one day.”
While the thought of going anywhere other than the park still causes him anxiety, Alicia reports that they are slowly working on introducing Jonathan to places where he can engage in indoor activities so he can get out when the weather is cold.
Thank you for continuing your support of Bell and cheering on Jonathan and the other people we serve. Alicia looks forward to sharing more of his progress with you.