Libby
The Arc of the Central Chesapeake Region is a charitable non-profit organization for individuals with developmental disabilities. The Arc is committed to providing service, community education, and advocacy to ensure that people with disabilities have the opportunity to develop their full potential and lead lives of dignity and purpose.
When arriving at Libby’s house, I honestly didn't know she had autism. She was very welcoming. Libby has two moms. Her mom was very kind and is like what other mothers are like. Libby was adopted as an infant. She was raised with love, care and everything a mother can give a child. I was very interested in her story. Her parents didn’t know that Libby had autism. “You never know what you'll get, just like when you’re having a baby.”
But they are happy. They treat Libby like she's their own child. She is in an environment where she is no different from any other child in the community.
Libby has a collection of (toy) horses. When I walked into her room, it was very adventurous. She is a master at building dinosaurs with Legos. She gets along with people very well.
The Arc is helpful to this family.
This family is doing what they can for Libby. She is getting all that she needs. She is developing along the way and growing up healthy.
Essay by Zahida Ferdaus
Photos by Zahida Ferdaus
