Recently we got to take a field trip to see David Maennle and his mother Becky Garland give a talk to a room full of educators at Western Carolina (Biltmore Park Campus). They talked about the plans David has for his life and the SimplyHome technology that has enabled David to live independently.

BIG NEWS: Becky also shared that David’s dream of living in a log cabin is becoming a reality! SimplyHome’s CEO Allen Ray recently connected Becky and David with the folks at Barnwood Builders (from the DIY Network). Together, David, Becky, and the Barnwood Builders are now working on a plan to build the cabin!

David’s Vision came about as part of Western Carolina’s University Participant (UP) Program, a program started in 2007 to address a need for inclusive education beyond high school for individuals with disabilities. In his application to the UP program, David, who has Down syndrome, outlined a vision for himself. He wanted to have his own log cabin, to get a job with an ambulance, to have a red pickup truck, and to own a blue tick hound dog. With the support of his community, he has brought much of his vision to life already! He has raised over $25,000 towards his goals and is currently employed with the local EMS. He has lived on his own in an apartment since 2014, almost five years!

Want to support David’s Vision? Get connected with David and Becky on the David’s Vision Facebook page, where you will find more information about how you can buy an official “David’s Vision” t-shirt. Each sale helps to raise money for the cabin project.

You can read (and watch) more of David's story here on our blog:

• David's Vision

• Who Are You?

• Finding Independence & Saving for the Future in NC

• Arc of NC State Conference Features David Maennle and SimplyHome

• An Update on David's Vision