“Owen was diagnosed about two years ago with a mild form of autism, and he was speech delayed. When I moved in with my son to help, the only thing Owen was saying at that time was ‘no.’ He was talking very little. Very little motion or gestures, anything like that.

“But now his speech is really improving. He’s saying two and three words, sometimes as many as four at a time. He already had some work doing sign language, so that is involved in his sentences sometimes.

“Yesterday for the first time, I was sitting on the couch at home when he walked up and said, ‘Pawpaw, what’s happening?’ That was pretty cool.

“Mr. Bill, his occupational therapist, has done wonders for Owen. He knows how to dress himself now. He’ll count out different objects with me and things like that. He’s learned how to put his shoes on.

“With autism, using the bathroom is sometimes a challenge, but he uses the bathroom pretty much on command now. That’s the last thing we’re hoping for, that he comes to us and tells us he needs to use the bathroom. When we get that taken care of, we think he’ll be in pretty good shape.”

— David Schexnaydre

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“We exist to serve the needs of the community. If you look at the history of Bay Area Rehabilitation Center, we’ve gone from assisting a small group of individuals with cerebral palsy at the very beginning to where we now provide services to the full spectrum of individuals. Everyone from newborns on up to seniors, in all of the major rehabilitation disciplines: physical, occupational and speech therapies. When we brought the Opportunity Center on board in 2007, we added the component of vocational rehabilitation.

“On a personal level, what really drives me is the notion that I can help make a difference in someone’s life. I’m not out there providing the services. I’m not a therapist. I don’t treat people. But if I do my job right I can help put in place the right personnel, the right resources, the right types of facilities and the right opportunities for this organization to meet our mission. As a facilitator to allow our programs to happen, I think that’s what really keeps me focused.”

— Mark Alexander

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“I kind of got inspired by my dad. He likes to volunteer, especially helping with children. I’m planning to get my master’s degree in occupational therapy so I can work with children with autism.

“To be able to help a child adapt to society and become one with everybody else, so they’re not feeling like they’re left out or seen as different, that’s definitely where my passion is.

“And it all stems from my dad. Also, my sister’s a nurse, so I guess we’re all just people who like to help others.”

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