Decatur, AL: Autism preschool holds graduation; "growing need for autism intervention services"
- 23 minutes ago
- 2 min read
DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) – A special graduation and awards ceremony was held in Decatur on Wednesday, celebrating students at RISE Together Preschool on the autism spectrum.
It’s the first-ever of this sort of ceremony held at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind (AIDB).
Music and the grads’ procession set the tone for the ceremony.
It’s a major milestone for 5-year-old Jo-Jo and his classmates: a Preschool graduation for children with autism celebrates their growth, communication skills, and progress in overcoming developmental and sensory challenges.
“A year ago, Jo-Jo was considered non-verbal and now he’s preverbal. We have hit so many milestones this year,” said Cayla Rock, Jo-Jo’s mother.
Wendi Glass, The RISE Together Preschool Director, said that the students’ accomplishments and growth through the hard work of the staff is nothing short of amazing.
“For our program offers them opportunities that they may not get elsewhere, so we want to make sure that we champion and celebrate those successes,” Glass said.
It’s the first-ever preschool graduation held on the campus of AIDB. The institution recognizes the growing need for autism intervention services across the state.
“We started this program several years back that fits those needs and what that allows us to do is a universal design for learning,” said Dennis Gilliam, the President of AIDB.
“That means if it works for individuals who have an exceptionality and autism, then it will work for anybody.”
Under the phrase “oh, the places you’ll go!” is a declaration of their limitless potential.
“We do not limit, nor do we want our students to limit themselves,” said Jessica Edmiston, of AIDB. “Oh the place you will go’ and ‘oh the people that you will become is our theme for a lifetime.
Comments