Michael Hill-Thompson

After 13 years in Junior Blind’s Children’s Residential Program (CRP),Michael Hill-Thompson’s upcoming graduation means more than moving on. It celebrates growing up.

Since he was 8 years old, Michael has called CRP “home,” and the staff at CRP have called Michael “family.” Like family, they have seen Michael develop and mature into the sweet, capable young man he is today. And, like family, they also remember how the road to achievement has not always been easy.

In fact, Douglas Paalam, Children’s Residential Program Supervisor, recalls the difficulties of Michael’s first year at CRP especially well—it also being Douglas’ first year with Junior Blind.

“He was resistant toward everyone and everything and had a terrible habit of self-injurious behavior. At any given time, he would bang his head on any hard surface he could find.”

Diagnosed with blindness due toretinopathy of prematurity and a severe developmental disability, Michael had many motor, language and social delays that needed attention as well. He couldn’t walk, couldn’t express himself and didn’t want to interact with others.

However, collaborating with Michael’s teaching team at Junior Blind’s Special Education School, Douglas and the other caring staff at CRP worked hard to put into practice a daily plan of instruction, intervention, redirection and positive reinforcement personally tailored to help Michael succeed and become more independent. Now, at age 21, he is a changed man.

These days, when asked to describe Michael, staff do not hesitate to use such words as “peaceful,” “easy-going” and “cooperative.” He readily follows directions and his attempts at self-injury have almost completely disappeared.

Moreover, as a result of orientation and mobility training, Michael loves to walk and uses his white cane to travel through-out Junior Blind’s campus assistance-free. He has also grasped key words in sign language to better express his needs and isa lot more social with both Junior Blind staff and his fellow CRP students.

Like a proud family member, Douglas cannot help but light up when he reflects on Michael’s extraordinary progress.

“Michael started off like a toddler and has grown to become a fine gentleman. While he was initially one of our biggest challenges, Michael is now truly one of our biggest success stories.”

His mother, Vonda, agrees.

“I’ve seen an amazing change in Michael and would recommend CRP to anyone with a challenged child. It was so hard to separate from him at first, but the love and support he’s received from all the Junior Blind staff have helped my son accomplish so much.”