PIX11: Brooklyn preschool holds graduation for children with developmental disabilities
Celebrate the 26 children who graduated from Helen Keller Services for the Blind's Children's Learning Center this June.
By Monica Morales, PIX11
June 23, 2023
Original article on PIX11’s website
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) – There was a special graduation in Brooklyn on Friday for children with autism and developmental disabilities. They got a chance to walk across the stage and celebrate a milestone: graduating from preschool.
At St. Francis College in Downtown Brooklyn, more than two dozen children and their families celebrated a moment to remember. Most of them are only 4 or 5 years old, but they are already shining examples of hope.
Aamir Songster, a 4-year-old from Flatbush, is a graduate of the Helen Keller Services Children’s Learning Center.
It was a proud moment for his mom, too. Shinelle Songster said her son started school not walking or talking. Now, Aamir was one of 26 children graduating in their blue caps and gowns.
It’s a two-year program designed for preschoolers living with disabilities, helping them build a strong foundation for life. All of the children have special educational needs that include vision loss, autism, and Down syndrome.
This year’s theme was “Changing, Glowing, and Growing!”
Liam Hernandez, 4, has autism. His mom said he is now thriving.
Noah Jacob Walker, 4, from Flatbush, had a blast on graduation day. Walker is known as Super Noah because his mom says he is a real-life superhero.
