My name is Lauren. I am 35 years old, and this is my story.
Have you ever struggled with friendships or felt lonely? I think we all have at one point or another, but for someone with CP, it can be a little different.
Throughout my life, I struggled with friendships because my friends would always move faster than I was able to, and I felt like I was being left behind throughout life and in school. Throughout my school years, I required an aide to assist me with my physical needs. This made it difficult to make friends because other students were often intimidated and didn’t want to approach me because I had an adult with me all day.
Then, I graduated from school and earned my associate degree in Liberal Arts in July 2014. After graduating from college, I researched places to live because I knew my parents wouldn’t be able to take care of me forever. I found a center for adults with different special needs and went there for a trial stay to see if I would like it and whether they would be able to meet my needs.
Fast-forward to September 2014. I made the decision to open my wings, make the big move, and become a resident at the center.
Before I moved in, my only friend at the time had muscular dystrophy and lived in a group home. We were attached at the hip, and we always kept in touch virtually. When I moved into the center, I was welcomed by many other residents like myself, whom I eventually grew to call my friends.
Thinking back to when I lived at home, I remember feeling lonely, and I didn’t want to feel that way for the rest of my life. Moving into the center completely changed that. Not only did I make new friends, but I also found a new purpose.
I discovered that I could help other people find their voices by using assistive technology and my own voice. In everyday programs, I record social and functional communication messages, such as greetings, weather updates, feelings, and more. I record these messages using an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) assistive technology device called Step-by-Step.
Doing this for my fellow residents gives me a sense of social purpose and makes me feel good knowing that I am helping others engage in activities in new ways.
CP does not have to define you. Living with CP has taught me that I am more capable and can do more things to help people than I ever thought possible.