At the High Desert Education Service District, every child brings something special to their learning community. For our Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education program at Manzanita Center in Redmond, four-year-old Bryson’s special something is joy.
With a contagious smile and tons of energy, Bryson, who is nonmobile and nonverbal, is highly communicative in his own ways and loves connecting with others. Diagnosed with quad dyskinetic cerebral palsy, he joined HDESD’s EI/ECSE program at around 9 months old. Since that time, he has grown into a bright presence in the classroom, bringing happiness to the specialists and educators who support him each day, and to his classmates.
“He is such a bright light and the hardest worker I know,” said his mom Amanda. “We’re so proud of him. He’s unique, and he is different… and we’re so happy to share his story.”
Part of that story is how much he loves being at school, where he is surrounded by a team committed to making sure he can fully participate in every experience.
Over the years, HDESD’s EI/ECSE team has worked closely with Amanda and her husband Chris to understand Bryson’s individual needs and identify the adaptive technology and supports that help him engage with the world around him. Together, they have built an environment tailored specifically to his learning experience.
That collaboration has led to meaningful solutions including specialized equipment that supports his mobility and communication, and even a custom swing outside on the playground that allows him to experience movement, play, and joy alongside his peers.
Each support is carefully chosen with one goal in mind: making sure Bryson can participate, connect, and experience school in meaningful ways.
“Bryson is making friends and has play dates with them. He has a friend from next door who meets him before class. She pushes him in his chair and he will turn and smile at her,” said his teacher Miranne Kim. “It has been so exciting to watch him learn and grow.”
For Miranne, the connection is also personal. As someone who also has cerebral palsy, supporting him and his family has been especially meaningful.
“Being part of his journey has been emotional and inspiring,” she shared. “His family’s dedication and commitment to finding ways to help Bryson—it’s something really special.”
This is a family deeply committed to helping him thrive. They are strong advocates, always seeking ways to support his growth and ensure he has access to meaningful experiences, including a school environment where he is welcomed and celebrated.
When it comes to raising a child with special needs, Amanda wants other parents to know that it’s not as scary as they might think.
“There are wonderful blessings hidden in all of this,” she said. “He’s a very smart guy and we’re figuring out how to access that and support him.”
Amanda added that they are grateful to Bryson’s team of educators and specialists, including speech and physical therapists, occupation therapists and Assistive Technology experts.
With the help of assistive technology, Bryson is able to share his excitement and joy.
“He’s a very happy four-year-old and he loves to talk about school,” said Amanda.
At HDESD, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to experience school and the world around them in ways that are accessible, and foster a true sense of belonging.
By working together, our families, educators, and specialists partner to break down barriers, expand possibilities and help every student thrive.
“With a contagious smile and tons of energy, Bryson, who is nonmobile and nonverbal, is highly communicative in his own ways and loves connecting with others.”