David is blind and nonverbal, and lives with several health conditions that affect his mobility outside his home. When he first began services, several providers were unwilling to accept him because of the level of support he required.
Today, after more than 10 years with Catholic Charities DC’s Community Options Day Program, David has made remarkable progress. Despite being legally blind, he independently navigates the program where he engages in community-based activities, such as bowling, parks, movie outings, stage plays, and puppet shows. One of his favorite activities is attending the Montgomery County fair.
“Community Options Day Program is David’s favorite place in the world,” said his mom, Ms. Geske. “As a nature enthusiast, he enjoys going for walks and bike rides around the wooded grounds. The ability to interact with all his friends brings meaning to his days.”
Without Community Options, Ms. Geske explained, David would be forced to sit still, listening to the television at home. Here, he is a valued member of the group, expressing his individuality, growing, all as he interacts with friends and family.
David’s ability to live this full life didn’t happen by accident. Americans like David once faced steep hurdles to participating fully in civic life. Public buildings often lacked elevators, ramps, lever-operated handles, and automatic door openers, making it difficult or impossible for people with disabilities to enter. Employment protections under the law were not guaranteed, and termination was far more common.
That changed 36 years ago when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities, including in the form of inaccessibility.
For someone like David, the ADA’s legacy lives on in the community he and his mother cherish, and in more than 10 years of growth, connection, and independence he’s found through Community Options.
David’s journey is a testament to the power of individualized support, inclusion, and community engagement. At Catholic Charities DC, we are honored and proud to be part of his growth, and to provide a place where he and his family feel valued, connected, and have space to thrive.
Community Options is one of several ways Catholic Charities DC supports individuals with disabilities and developmental differences, including our Kennedy School at the Conway Education Center and Community Companions.
Without Community Options, David would be forced to sit still, listening to the television at home. Here, he is a valued member of the group, expressing his individuality, growing, all as he interacts with friends and family.Ms. Geske