Noah’s Story…..
Noah is a junior at Vantage Career Center where he is in the Ag and Industrial Power Technology program. He has been enjoying learning how to fix tractors. He has always enjoyed taking things apart to figure out how they work. Noah’s favorite recent project was when he got to help his dad take apart and fix a mower. His favorite color is John Deere green.
When Noah was born, his parents found out that he had spina bifida, which presented some significant challenges to Noah’s mobility and ability to communicate. The family started services with the Van Wert County Board of Developmental Disabilities through the Early Intervention program. There were therapists that came to their home to help them learn strategies to help Noah to be able to participate in family activities. When Noah was eighteen months old, he got his first wheelchair. This was about the same time that he started attending Early Intervention classes with his mom. They got to do all kinds of fun activities and Noah got to meet some new friends.
Noah attended preschool in the same building through the Edison Preschool program and received occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy along the way. Prior to Vantage, Noah went to Lincolnview with his two siblings. When asked what he liked best about going to Lincolnview, he said that he loved seeing all of his friends.
Noah also participates in Job Club through the Van Wert County Board of DD. He enjoys exploring future career opportunities and meeting new people. In his spare time, he likes to make greeting cards and help take care of animals. Noah’s family has sheep, chickens, and ducks. This past year he was involved in raising a feeder calf and market lamb for 4-H. He has enjoyed taking animals to the fair to show.
While Noah’s story may have its challenges along the way, it turns out that he enjoys and participates in a lot of activities other kids his age do. From his start in early intervention so many years ago to his current job training at Vantage, Noah has met a lot of friends along the way that have helped him pursue his passions and prepare for a bright future ahead!