For many families with school-age children, juggling the day-to-day is challenging. For families that have a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities, getting through each day can be demanding, difficult, and sometimes exasperating.
Aidan and Manasi Ladrigan
For one Mary Cariola parent, being a mom, a wife, a business owner, and a medical doctor poses some additional challenges. However, due to her faith and trust in the Mary Cariola Center staff, the balancing act is a little less overwhelming. Meet Dr. Manasi Ladrigan and her son Aidan, a student at Cariola since he was four years old. Aidan is autistic, non-verbal, has a complex seizure disorder, and is medically fragile. The Ladrigan’s, who had moved away from Rochester, moved back so Aidan could attend school at Mary Cariola.
In addition to managing Aidan’s needs as part of a family of five, Dr. Ladrigan operates a busy dermatology practice. But each day, she is confident and comforted knowing that Aidan is learning, having fun, and thriving at Cariola. “As a wife, mother, and medical doctor I could not do what I do without the Mary Cariola Center and the teachers, aides and clinicians that work with Aidan. Life would be very different if Aidan could not go to school there. I can go to work each day with confidence and peace-of-mind,” said Dr. Ladrigan.
Over the years, the Mary Cariola team has worked with Aidan on learning life skills such as sitting independently, holding a fork, self-feeding, using expressive communication, and advocating for himself. At times, these life skill lessons have also been a family affair. Recently, Dr. Ladrigan’s sister got married and it was important to the family that 16-year-old Aidan participate. While there were some concerns about his ability to do so, Aidan’s teachers and clinicians developed a plan incorporating life skill solutions. They set up chairs so that Aidan could practice walking down the aisle, while classmates sat in the seats and participated too. By the day of the wedding, Aidan was ready. “It was remarkable. My sister was thrilled, and it was a family event to remember,” said Dr. Ladrigan. “It would never have happened if it weren’t for the creativity and commitment of the Cariola staff.”
Cariola’s innovation and creativity is something all families can expect. Dr. Ladrigan and her family know firsthand what incredible care and support Aidan receives each day. Care and support that goes above and beyond what one may imagine, so families can live their best lives.
Aidan and his family are just one example of the hundreds of families that are impacted every day by the life-changing programs and services that Mary Cariola Center offers…and generous donors like YOU make it possible for us to provide them. Please donate today, so we can continue to transform the lives of people with disabilities as well as their families. Thank you!
