Robert's Story Born with Down Syndrome, Robert has known Developmental & Disability Services of Lebanon Valley since he was three years old, where he attended pre-school. Through his early education, Robert received the skills he would need to be successful in school and life. He did well and graduated high school with honors for a person with his abilities. For most young adults graduation is an exciting yet difficult time. Imagine if you were a person with a disability. |
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Fortunately, Robert was able to enroll in the Supported Competitive Employment program at DDS. Robert has held several jobs and is currently an employee of Giant Food Stores in Cleona. At the age of 33, he is able to live on his own by being gainfully employed. Each work day he rides his bicycle from his home in Annville. As he walks into the employee lounge, he is greeted by co-workers and friends all happy to see him. He punches in to begin his shift as a bagger in the front lines. He is pleasant and interacts well with the customers. While working helps to build his self-esteem, Robert knows that his job enables him to live on his own. “I need to work for money to support myself,” he said. Out of all his accomplishments, his ability to live independently is his greatest achievement.
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