Their Stories
Portraits of Students - ECC currently has over 85 full-time students. The children have varying exceptionalities including Autism, Down Syndrome, deaf, no speech, Cerebral Palsy,cognitive difficulties and a host of neurological processing difficulties. Here are some of their stories.
Eric S. was 8 years old when we first met him. He lives on Green Turtle Cay and had not been in school because the schools felt unable to cope with a Down Syndrome child. At the initial public meetings we held concerning a program for children with Learning Disabilities, Eric's mother related how much he wanted to go to school. Everyday, Eric waited with his lunch box on his steps to go to school, but to no avail. Eric has been in the ECC program for over 5 years. Daily he rides a ferry and bus to school, is learning to read, write, calculate simple addition and subtraction, as well he now helps in his parents restaurant. Because of ECC, Eric no longer has to wait for a school day that never comes.

Carlos P. is one of our success stories! He was attending a Government primary school but due to his severe behavioral difficulties, he spent most of the time at the back of the classroom playing with toys. His teachers lacked the time and training to help him. After six years in the ECC program Carlos now reads, writes, is doing math and is proving to be a wonderful artist.

Rahim D. six years ago the Principal of his school referred Rahim to ECC. Although he had spent two years in first grade he could not write his name or cope with classroom activities, he was allowed to wander around doing cleaning. Because he was constantly teased and bullied by the other children he was emotionally fragile. He still struggles emotionally, but is learning, and with help from a sponsor he now has the medication he requires, and has more of a chance to progress. This year Rahim is more involved withour pre-vocational classes since we have been able to hire a part-time carpentry/agriculture teacher. We are beginning to see Rahim and other students shine in those areas where their abilities lie.
Brent L. had not been in school before coming to ECC late in 2003. Brent has severe Cerebral Palsy and was unable to walk, with no wheelchair he propelled himself along the ground on his knees. Unable to speak, he could not focus or participate in groups. It became apparent that his physical disabilities had to be addressed before he could learn. As his family did not have the means to help him, a referral was made by ECC to the Shriners Hospital. In January 2003, Brent and his parents went to Tampa, he was evaluated, immediately hospitalized and surgery performed on his legs. On returning home, three months later, he was standing and walking on his own for the first time. At the present time Brent wears braces, uses a walker and has been fitted with a proper wheelchair. He is now learning communications and social skills.
Saveion D. could not walk when he came to ECC - but he is bright and articulate. Despite his severe neurological problems he is learning, speaking and now walking with the use of a walker and the help of volunteer PT Janet Hamilton and volunteer OT Maital Levy. Mrs. Hamilton also arranged for the donation of Saveion's walkers and other PT equipment.