Today, Russell is almost an adult, but he’s been a part of CSC’s community since he was a baby. Born with bilateral retinal detachment, Russell is completely blind. Russell and his family began receiving early intervention services so he could meet his developmental milestones. At this young age, Russell and his family attended playgroups where parents and caretakers could connect and the toddlers could play together. Both of Russell’s parents came to get involved in this group, and so did his grandpa! This was their first introduction to CSC’s community, and they still feel connected to the other families they met at this time.

Russell’s network within CSC’s community expanded again when he entered CSC’s Preschool. Some of his peers were the children he played with in the early intervention groups! Russell and his family live about an hour-long drive away from CSC, but his great-aunt and great-uncle would drive him up for preschool every week. Russell has some memories of his time at preschool, and says his favorite parts were horseback riding and jumping on a trampoline.

“I think that's why now I have an obsession with trampolines,” Russell realizes. “Keith (CSC’s Preschool Orientation and Mobility Specialist) showed me a lot of things, like the trampolines and horseback riding. He was in that situation with me, and it's awesome when another person is with you in a new experience. You know that, okay, I can do this. Another person is right here.”

His mom agrees.

“They provided the opportunity and the support for him to grow,” she said. “It was amazing. It was really awesome!”

It was at CSC’s Preschool that Russell’s mom noticed his confidence had grown.

“When he started there, Russell was very intimidated to move,” Heidi said. “He was scared, so he was very nervous to try new things. Through those couple years, it was just amazing, the growth Russell showed through attending school there.”

From preschool to grade school, Russell and his family stayed connected to CSC by attending different holiday parties hosted by CSC. At these events, they got to reconnect with families they’d met at the beginning of their time with CSC.

These days, Russell is a teenager in high school. He most recently used CSC services for Pre-Employment Transition Services, a program that helps young adults prepare for their futures and start thinking about careers. Russell connected with CSC’s employment services team, and learned a lot about what to consider when choosing a college.

“Cleveland Sight Center has been with us both as a family, and with Russell individually throughout his entire life. At every step, we've had the support of Cleveland Sight Center,” Heidi said. “It feels like I could always email somebody or give a call and find somebody to talk to and get some advice.”

Russell and his family are a great example of how CSC is there for you as needed. Just because you graduate from services doesn’t mean you can’t come back! Once you’re a client of CSC, you’re a member of our community, and we’re here for all of life’s milestones.