Lauren 

Bright eyed and curious, Lauren only wanted to explore her old stomping ground upon her return visit to Franziska Racker Centers a few weeks ago. As she entered the playground with her mom Liz, she immediately went towards the sandbox and play structures. She remembers attending the school and playing in that very space as a youth. 

Lauren began attending the Centers at 18 months old and took part in early intervention services, therapies and was part of the preschool program until age 5. Her mother Liz comments on Lauren’s experiences with the Centers saying, “As the mother of a child with Down syndrome, it has been a true blessing to have the support of the Centers programs and services.” Now at 18 years old, Lauren attends TST BOCES Smith School. In addition to special education services, Lauren attends day and respite services and receives occupational and speech therapy through the Centers. 

One of Lauren’s great strengths is her ability to care for others. She is aware of people in her surroundings and quick to offer care to someone that might need help. She also has a great sense of humor and an outgoing charismatic personality.

Currently, Lauren is learning about the French language. She remains involved in youth theatre activities and our local Special Olympics -- as she has over the past several years.  She is very social and her mother has found the after school respite program a great fit for Lauren to network and make new friends. “Overall, the agency’s programs and staff have positively impacted my daughter’s quality of life, and my own. I really can’t stress enough how fortunate we are to have these services available to us… and our community.”