Jason Stevens is a six-year old first grader in Questar III’s Achieving Individual Milestones (AIM) program at Red Mill Elementary School.
Jason has a history of high medical needs, which prevented him from being able to do some things other kids his age can do. This included walking unassisted. Jason was able to walk short distances with an adult holding his hand but would immediately fall or sit down if adults let go.
Teacher Jeanette Hallock suggested to Jason’s parents that they send his walker into school so that he could practice and eventually gain some independence.
With encouragement Jason started using his walker in school. With each new day, he became braver and braver and eventually began taking steps being only held by his belt loop on his pants.
Only a month into the school year, Miss Hallock realized how stable and confident Jason was becoming and one day, let go of his belt loop while he was walking assisted by her. Jason didn’t even realize it at first, but he was walking on his own!
Jason was shocked and so happy when he realized he was walking all by himself. Once he realized he had the power to do it, he insisted that “I do it myself!” Now, Jason is walking all over school unassisted and is hard to slow down. He is enjoying his new found freedom and sense of confidence according to his teacher.
Miss Hallock credits the team approach to helping Jason with his needs and gaining the confidence needed to do it alone. Jason’s teacher, teacher assistants, and therapists gently pushed him to do as much as he could do, and the payoff was tremendous.
Prior coming to Questar III BOCES, Jason was homeschooled by his parents. After attending Questar III’s summer school program with Miss Hallock at Red Mill, Jason started first grade last fall. His parents said, “Jason loves coming into school and we thrilled with his achievements.”
Comprised of K-2 students, Questar III’s AIM class at Red Mill provides functional curriculum with community experiences, enabling students with multiple disabilities to learn adaptive living skills. All AIM classes are taught in public schools, enhancing opportunities for inclusion in regular classes and other school activities.
