Meet Chris.

Chris is a ninth grader who thinks school is “awesome.” He loves coming to the Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center because he and the other students have the opportunity to learn the same academics as kids without physical disabilities (something he wasn’t able to do at his two previous schools). His favorite subjects are science and math and he’d like to attend college after graduation and study biology. A bright and motivated student, he has a competitive side too. Chris plays on the wheelchair basketball team and has aspirations of being valedictorian of his class.

Like all kids, Chris enjoys spending time with his friends but it isn’t easy since many live far away from one another and need special transportation because of wheelchairs and medical needs. That’s why he looks forward to the after-school activities and clubs offered at the Henry Viscardi School, especially Friday Night Rec. At Rec, the students have a chance to play sports, cook, dance, do art projects, work on homework and most importantly hang out with their friends just like other kids. “You can always tell when it’s a Friday Night Rec day by the smiles on everyone’s faces,” shares Chris.

Chris is also a peer counselor and has begun to understand the importance of self advocacy, having given a speech in Albany in an effort to maintain funding for the Henry Viscardi School.

View this video and learn more about Chris and the importance of Friday Night Rec.

Find out more about the Henry Viscardi School.