Daniel’s Journey: Finding His Voice [Support Life Changing Therapies]
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“Daniel is tall, dark, and handsome,” his mother Isaura often says, and anyone who meets him wholeheartedly agrees. Living in the Bronx, Daniel Santiago treasures Sundays at church and leisurely walks in the park with his staff. Yet, behind Daniel is a network of dedicated people working tirelessly to ensure his well-being.
Now 44 years old, Daniel lives with a range of serious medical conditions that require constant attention. For Isaura, caring for Daniel is a full-time commitment. She shares a bedroom with him, always close enough to respond when he needs her, day or night. Since the onset of Daniel’s developmental disabilities, one of his greatest challenges has been communication. Before his 18th birthday, Daniel lost the ability to use his words. For most of us, being able to communicate is something we take for granted, but for Daniel, it has been a daily hurdle.
In 2018, Daniel began a customized speech therapy program with CP Unlimited’s Article 16 Clinic designed to bridge the gaps in his ability to express himself. Over the past six years, CPU speech therapists Marilyn Ladewig and Sheila Weinstock have worked patiently and consistently with Daniel.
Filled with emotion, Marilyn recalled the day that Daniel spoke again. “It was hard, but we got him to talk”. Daniel’s progress was the product of an unbreakable partnership: his mother’s relentless advocacy, his aide’s daily dedication, and his therapists’ commitment to trying everything they could to help.
“He’s starting to be more communicative in general, and I’m really excited about that,” Sheila shared. “He’s very sweet, very playful. He’s genuinely trying to explore the world to the best of his abilities, and it’s all our goal to try and maximize those abilities.”
While Daniel’s needs remain significant, the consistent, long-term, and specialized care he receives has helped him make meaningful strides. “That’s why I never miss an appointment with Daniel and will always reschedule to make sure I see him once a week,” Sheila emphasized. Even when challenges arise, like seizures during sessions, his dedicated team, including Isaura, and his home health aide, Jackie, respond with remarkable intuition and care. “They can look at him and anticipate what they need to do—it’s so impressive,” Sheila added.
Today, Daniel is closer to forming connections and engaging with the world around him in ways that once seemed impossible. Daniel’s progress is a testament to the power of care—reminding us that communication is not just a skill, but a bridge to dignity and independence.
Help Us Continue the Work
CP Unlimited’s commitment to individuals with developmental disabilities goes beyond traditional care. Therapists and clinicians provide highly specialized services that are often vital for their patients’ well-being but fall outside of standard billing practices. As Marilyn explains, “There’s no billing code for ‘checking up on you to make sure you’re okay.’” This personalized approach prioritizes long-term support and thriving over transactional care, making CP Unlimited a haven for both the people we support and their families.
Despite these extraordinary efforts, the costs of delivering these services often surpass available funding. Yet, this commitment to individualized care is why clinicians like Marilyn have remained with CP Unlimited for over a decade, fostering deep, lasting connections with the individuals and families they serve.
This holiday season, your support can help sustain this vital work. A year-end gift to CP Unlimited ensures that individuals like Daniel receive the therapies and support they need to achieve fulfilling lives. Your generosity makes every first word and every step forward possible.
