SELPA

When Justin Sanborn glides into his Stockton Community Young Adult Transition Class there is only one thing he can’t do–stop smiling. Justin graduated last December after more than three years in San Joaquin County Offi ce of Education’s Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA). Although Justin suffers from cerebral palsy, it hasn’t affected his big heart and cheerful attitude.

After graduating from Lincoln High, Justin learned social and vocational skills through the personalized education and support he received at Stockton Community Young Adults Transition Class. One of Justin’s biggest obstacles was learning to use his electric wheelchair. Before entering the program, he used a simple walker that offered limited mobility.

“One of Justin’s biggest achievements through the program is his ability to use his wheelchair. We’ve been prepping him for exiting this program by teaching him basic life skills like going to the grocery store, as well as being able to speak for himself,” said his teacher Traci Suyeyasu.

His teachers described him as a sweet but shy individual when he fi rst entered the classroom. Justin’s teachers and assistants have tried to bring out his brilliant personality and teach him to be independent by helping him overcome his shyness. Today this reserved behavior is long gone as Justin breezes into the classroom in his electric wheelchair, greeting everyone in the room.

While going to school, Justin was able to gain work experience in the community through Workability I, a program designed to promote career awareness, exploration, and training for special education students ages 12-22. This year Justin worked as a greeter at Wal-Mart, a position that helped him further develop social skills and open up to people.

Justin’s mother Sandi feels that his canine friend, Rugby, may also have had something to do with his ability to overcome his shyness. “One of the greatest things about Rugby is that he makes Justin’s wheelchair disappear,” said Sandi.

Rugby goes everywhere with Justin and at school was thought of as another classmate. Rugby is a registered service dog that is instrumental in removing many of the barriers Justin faces, including turning on lights, opening doors, and helping him get in and out of the restroom.

“Both Rugby and his experiences at school helped Justin gain the confi dence needed to approach people. I am so proud of who my son has become,” said Sandi.

One of the principle goals of SELPA is to promote the understanding of special education students in the community. Through his cheerful attitude and outgoing nature, Justin does all of this and more.

“Justin is just a wonderful person through and through. His bright smile has taught the community to accept individuals with disabilities,” said instructional assistant Lynn Darone.

In his last days in the classroom, Justin admitted that he was sad to leave the program that helped foster his newfound self-confi dence. However, he has plans to continue to help the community as a minister. Through the skills he developed in school, Justin knows that this goal will become a reality.