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United Ability has kicked off their annual Champions Campaign which provides vital funds for services for children with disabilities who attend the Hand In Hand Early Learning Program.

Jamie and Stephen Johnson’s son Oliver has been attending Hand In Hand for a few years now, and we got to learn more about their incredible son and the difference the program has made in their lives. Keep reading for his story.

Meet Oliver and his parents, Stephen and Jamie

In 2019, Jamie and Stephen Johnson went to their 20-week anatomy scan where they received the news that their baby’s brain was not developing the way it was supposed to. They were eventually told that their son had severe congital hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain).

“They told us that because of how early in the pregnancy we were, this was very severe as the fluid would continue to build on his brain. Our initial diagnosis was that he most likely would not survive, and if he did, life would look very difficult with very little cognitive ability.”
Jamie Johnson

For the rest of the pregnancy, they had no idea what was life was going to look like. Oliver was born in July of 2019 and had his first brain surgery within 24 hours.

Very soon after, they found hope for their child’s life when they were introduced to United Ability.

Hand In Hand has been life changing for Oliver

After participating in early intervention programs with United Ability, Oliver got into Hand In Hand when he was about 18 months old. He’s been excited to go school every week since.

“Hand In Hand has been life changing for us since the moment we got there. The fact that he can be in a classroom, with peers who are both typical and living with disabilities, allows for social interaction that has been incredible for him and his development.”
Stephen Johnson

When Oliver first got to Hand In Hand, he was at an age where he should’ve been sitting independently and maybe even taking his first steps. After receiving the care and therapy that Hand In Hand offers, he was soon able to sit by himself and walk with a walker.

When we talked, Stephen had just dropped his son off, and Oliver walked himself all the way down the hall where his friends were cheering him on.

“We’ve seen a night and day difference. Knowing how loved and cared for he is every day really helped us as his parents. He has learned to communicate and has even started repeating phrases he hears, which is so amazing to see.”
Stephen Johnson

Learn more and give to United Ability’s Champions Campaign.

Oliver has made huge strides at United Ability

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According to the Johnsons, United Ability and the people there have been a lifeline throughout Oliver’s journey.

“The community we’ve found at United Ability is so special. The children, therapists and other parents have become like family over the years. The staff is always there when we call with questions about what do in a situation or how to approach something. That’s been unbelievably valuable for us and other parents.”
Jamie Johnson

When you give to United Ability’s Champions Campaign, you provide children like Oliver and his friends access to speech, physical and occupational therapy in the inclusive learning environment at Hand In Hand.

Learn more and give to United Ability today.

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