DIALOGUE A Quarterly Publication of the Regional Center of Orange County VOLUME 37 NO. 3 • SUMMER 2023
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
2023 Spotlight Award Honorees REGIONAL CENTER OF ORANGE COUNTY HOSTED ITS 26TH ANNUAL SPOTLIGHT AWARDS celebration on April 20 at Fullerton’s Spring Field Banquet Center, with 260 people attending. Special guest emcee Michele Gile, the Emmy Award-winning reporter for KCAL News and CBS Los Angeles, joined RCOC Board Chair Chip Wright and Executive Director Larry Landauer to present the awards. Here are snapshots about the honorees. Self-Advocate: Stephanie Carlson A 27-year-old with an intellectual disability, anxiety, and fragile health, Stephanie is a role model for approaching her challenges with inspiring determination and perseverance. While she was sometimes bullied by other students and was not always provided the supplemental support she needed in high school, Stephanie persevered and earned her High School Certificate. When she learned the Certificate would not allow her to fulfill her goal of working at a childcare center, she did not give up. Currently enrolled at North Orange Continuing Education, she is working toward a full high school diploma, taking one class at a time. Undaunted by the time and effort it may take to accomplish her goals, she refuses to allow her disability to keep her from living a full and meaningful life.
Self-Advocate honoree Stephanie Carlson with RCOC Executive Director Larry Landauer (left) and RCOC Board Chair Chip Wright (right).
Direct Support Professional: Eli Goldstein As the direct support professional for Tyler, a young man served by RCOC, Eli was singled out for the effective and creative ways he’s helped meet Tyler’s needs by taking him out in the community, exploring local parks and hiking trails, and exercising. With Eli’s support, Tyler has lost 40 pounds and become much healthier, while learning new ways to control his emotions and growing his self-care skills. The pair also have an Instagram account with over 25,000 followers that showcases Tyler’s athletic skills and promotes inclusion of people with special needs in the health and fitness community. Cont. on Page 7 PAGE 1 • DIALOGUE • SUMMER 2023 • RCOCDD.COM