Leo loves to listen to music and watch television. Among his favorites are music by Nick Jonas and the Jonas Brothers and shows on Netflix and YouTube. Leo also enjoys playing games on his Nintendo Switch and making his own gaming videos for YouTube, in addition to spending time with his friends, family and teachers and staff at school.
At the age of nine years old, Leo got connected to The Coordinating Center for care management services through the Rare and Expensive Case Management Program, which provides individuals with access to high quality, medically appropriate health care services in a cost-effective setting outside of a managed care organization. Within two years of enrolling in the REM Program, Leo got connected to the Medical Legal Services Division at The Coordinating Center to obtain additional support through his Special Needs Trust. His coordinators have assisted with attending appointments as needed, obtaining equipment sometimes not covered by insurance, ensuring Leo can participate in school activities and events with transportation assistance and much more.
Leo says getting help from his coordinators at The Coordinating Center has made it easier for him to get out of the house and do things in the community. “I was born with CP, Cerebral Palsy. I can’t do much by myself and I need a lot of help with daily tasks,” said Leo. Leo has learned to rely on others and be open to trying new things. He says humor helps him overcome challenges. “My condition also affects my speech a lot, so it is hard for me to communicate by talking, especially with new people.” With the support of his care coordinators, Leo has learned to advocate for himself and has been able to connect to more after school activities, including school dances, allied sports (soccer and bowling) and attending Best Buddies meetings.
Leo is grateful for the support he is receiving from The Coordinating Center and looks forward to graduating high school in 2024. He plans to work with his team and others towards employment and living independently in the community. His advice for anyone considering working with The Coordinating Center is to be open to trying new things. It’s worked for him and he’s living his best life.
