Owen & Mal- Living the Dream

 

Together, they have also been building their own future. Both having their own disabilities along for the ride, they have gone through the overwhelming challenge of having to find accessible housing in Boston, that will give them a full quality of life, as Mal is pursuing her master's degree at Boston University!  They will have an incredible, accessible apartment, that is way beyond the average student budget, but for what they need- there were no other options, but segregated living.  Although financial aid offices tell people to "live like a student," it is difficult when as a student, that person can't even make the same sacrifices as everyone else (in terms of average student housing... that is not accessible)!

 

Owen moved from Nevada, to New England and is navigating the world of finding fulfilling employment.

 

Through their own experiences, and through the course of their relationship, they have built a following.  Family, friends, but also of other young adults all over the country with disabilities who are watching this journey and learning the steps for their own future. Moving out, or across the country, finding jobs, and apartments, going to school, and having a great relationship is hard enough for a non-disabled young adult, but when you factor in the issues of both young adults having a disability, and having to then think about accessibility, the health care system, and the importance of having good insurance.  There is a whole other layer of importance and meaning in this venture.

 

Your gift, no matter how small, will help these two live their dreams, and continue to pave the way so that others after them can do the same.  These are our future leaders.... they need to be able to get in the door.