Every so often, we meet a young person whose determination and spirit remind us why our work matters. Adrienne is one of those students.
Adrienne joined our residential program in 2016 and started at Mary Cariola Center School the following year. When you meet her, you are immediately greeted by her bright smile, her infectious giggle, and her striking brown eyes. She’s a girly girl through and through, happiest when her hair and nails are freshly done.
Early on, Adrienne communicated through a limited speech generating device and often struggled with anxiety. With time, support, and the right tools, Adrienne began to blossom — not because her challenges disappeared, but because she was given what she needed to thrive.
Today, Adrienne uses a high-tech Tobii Dynavox I Series communication device with eye gaze technology, navigating it with remarkable independence. She can greet, make requests, advocate for herself, share her feelings, and express pain or discomfort — all through a system she has mastered.
Her growth extends far beyond communication. Adrienne now drives her own power wheelchair using her eyes — a level of independence that once felt out of reach.
Her confidence has soared as well. She participates in choir, using her device to sing in perfect timing with her classmates. She writes pen pal letters. She presents at the school’s 4 H Club public speaking events — something that once brought her to nervous tears but now fills her with pride.
Adrienne’s progress is the result of a community that believes in her — educators, clinicians, residential staff, and supporters like you. But none of this happens without access to specialized technology, interdisciplinary care, and individualized attention. These tools are costly, and the need is growing.
Your support ensures that students like Adrienne continue to find their voice — literally and figuratively. Your gift provides advanced communication devices, adaptive technology, clinical support, residential care, career growth and staff development, as well as community experiences that build confidence and independence.
Adrienne is strong willed, creative, musical, funny — and thriving because she has the support she deserves. Today, we invite you to help more students experience the same transformation. Your gift strengthens our community that believes every individual deserves the chance to thrive. Donate at marycariola.org/donate.
Thank you for believing in our students and residents and making stories like Adrienne’s possible.
