Emma, a high school student and swimmer
Emma, a 17-year-old who attends Firestone High School, was diagnosed with Down syndrome as an infant. Emma is a champion swimmer with the Summit Athletic Special Olympics Club. She works at Fastenal through a work program at school learning assembly skills. She also receives Service & Support Administration (SSA) services from Summit DD which ensures that she can continue getting services that she needs throughout her lifetime.
Emma is a typical teenager and she likes teen shows, idols, downloading music and her iPad. Emma’s hobbies include using the computer and drawing. Her favorite websites include YouTube and iTunes. Another one of her favorite hobbies is drawing. Emma’s father is very artistic and his talent has been passed on to her. Emma always has a notepad with her to draw in her spare time. She draws using pencils, markers, and paint brushes or any type of drawing tool.
It’s important to her mother that she has the opportunity to do anything that she wants to do. She has already had the opportunity to try activities such as tap dancing (which she has been doing for 5 years), horseback riding, and swimming. Her mother Rita says, “I want to help Emma realize her highest potential!”
As she gains independence, Emma hopes to get a cell phone. “We hope that one day Emma will understand what living independently is,” says Rita. Emma is still young and she has not experienced mature responsibilities.
Emma is undecided as to what she wants to do after high school. She is looking at work and education opportunities that will best meet her needs.
See Emma's video volunteering and self-advocating for funding in her community.