By: Jaime Rafferty
Leland’s mom, Deanna, has a contagious caring for people. It’s easy to see where outgoing son Leland gets his love for others and zest for life. Leland’s number one love is the harmonica. He can play the blues harp like nobody’s business! He enjoys jamming with accomplished local musicians. He has played publically on the main stage at the Bean Blossom Blues Festival, a Trunnel’s Farm event, at The Crème Café during open mic night, and at talent shows at his church, his school, the Hermitage Rehab Center and at the Daviess County Fair talent show. Mom says, “He is waiting for his ‘big break’ someday to be able to play regularly with a group or band!”
Leland is a Special Olympic Athlete in swimming and softball programs every year. Leland also enjoys riding his four-wheeler, watching movies and he’s an old soul who loves watching old episodes of Bonanza. Like many people he also likes going out to eat, playing with his dogs and loves visiting his friends and family. He also really enjoys school at DCMS and hates to miss, even if he is sick!
Deanna could hardly contain her excitement when talking about the Color Blast Fun Run, “We feel so blessed to have this event come to our community. It will bring so many good people together for the benefit of six of our main non-profit organizations for kids and adults with disabilities, plus it will be outrageous fun for everyone. “
Leland and family have benefited greatly from therapy services provided through the Wendell Foster’s Campus in addition to support and information the organization has provided. Leland has low muscle tone associated with Down syndrome and mild scoliosis, a curvature of the spine. He has received physical, occupational and speech therapies at the campus to improve his strength and balance and endurance. The Isbell’s have attended several of the parent trainings the WFC has hosted on subjects to improve their son’s quality of life.
The WFC also has helped them through the Assistive Technology Program. They loaned the family an iPad for one week to try with Leland. The Isbell’s saw the benefit of the iPad and purchased one for Christmas. The Assistive Technology Program staff tutors Leland and family on the use of the iPad and helpful apps for their use.
Through the WFC, Leland is currently in a commercial showing him using his iPad, which airs on stations in Louisville. He’s both a local and regional star now thanks to the support given to him and his family from the caring and knowledgeable staff at Wendell Foster’s Campus.
As you can see, participation will not only be a blast, but it also helps others have a blast by learning and growing through activities that may not otherwise be offered to them.