An Update on David's Vision
David Maennle, whom we have previously featured on the SimplyHome blog, continues to distinguish himself as an outstanding young man working towards his goals. David has Down syndrome and uses SimplyHome technology to live in his own apartment in the community.
As a graduate of Western Carolina's University Participant program, David was recently featured in Western Carolina University's CEAP News for Spring 2018 newsletter, in an article which we are reprinting below.
You can read more of David's story on our blog:
We love seeing David work towards his vision -- Watch out, world!
David Maennle
UNIVERSITY PARTICIPANT ALUMNUS '13
Article reprinted from CEAP News, Spring 2018 edition
David graduated from the University Participant (UP) Program in May 2013. At that time, he became a part-time custodian and EMT Helper at Graham County EMS in Robbinsville, North Carolina. David is a valued member of his work community and he has made many friends at work. Because of his loyal work record, David’s building is one of the cleanest public buildings in Graham County. He has received several pay raises, resulting in him making several dollars above minimum wage per hour.
In addition to work, David has stayed busy in other ways. He volunteers at the local nursing home. The residents look forward to seeing him each week to call out Bingo numbers. He is active in church, serving as a deacon and greeter. He has also lived in his own apartment in Andrews, North Carolina, since 2014, with the support of NC Innovations paid supports, natural supports, and assistive technology. He independently accesses public transit to get to work each day.
Because David loves anything related to emergency medical services, he is currently taking an EMT-Basic class at Tri-County Community College. He enjoys continuing his education and has as a goal to pass the NC- EMT certification test someday. This may seem to be an impossible task, but when David sets a goal, watch out!
In addition to David’s dream of becoming an EMT, David also wants to be an independent homeowner. He plans to build his own log cabin on family property in Robbinsville, North Carolina. He has been busy doing fundraising toward the project and he has already raised in excess of $25,000 toward his goal. Currently, David is researching options for building the cabin and is determined to reach this goal.
In David’s spare time, he enjoys karaoke, listening to music, learning to play guitar, and visiting with friends and family. He also is a board member of NC TASH, which is an advocacy organization for persons with disabilities. He has travelled to Los Angeles, California and Washington, DC to make presentations at national advocacy conferences and to meet with Congressional members and with officials with the U.S. Department of Education. He is also a regular guest speaker at Western Carolina University. When asked if David has a good life, his response is always, “Yes, I have a good life!”
Source: https://www.wcu.edu/WebFiles/CEAPnewsletterspring18.pdf
Read more about Western Carolina's University Participant program.