Billy Seligsohn, center, 13, with his parents, William and Chardae, as they sit for a portrait in Monroeville. The family is dedicated to building the support around Billy that he needs for his development as a child with autism. (Photo by Stephanie Strasburg/PublicSource)
Although their disabilities are different, they each have one thing in common — they hope to spread awareness.
by Emily Sauchelli, PublicSource
When it comes to getting to know people, 17-year-old Sammi Cooper has learned to stop thinking that someone won’t like her because she has Tourette syndrome.
“In the past, Tourette was always present in my mind when I was talking to someone new,” the Verona teen said. “I would be anxious that someone would not like me because of it. I think I’ve become a lot more confident in myself and not think about my Tourette until we’re closer and I feel comfortable disclosing it.”
Sammi Cooper drawing while sitting in a hammock in her backyard in Verona on August 4, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Brandi Cooper)
Cooper isn’t alone in her disability or her journey of self-discovery and building confidence around exactly who she is.
Roughly 145,000 Pennsylvanians 17 and younger (or nearly 8%) identify as having a disability, according to the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.
On the heels of the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and July’s Disability Pride Month celebrations, young people with disabilities and their caregivers have shared glimpses into their lives — how they navigate friendships, school and obstacles, activities or therapies that help them, and how they think about their futures — with the hope of growing awareness and a sense of belonging.
Sammi’s surging confidence
One way Sammi Cooper has managed the symptoms she experiences from Tourette syndrome is through artistic expression.
“I really love drawing and art in every form,” she said. “I like making things with my hands a lot. I go through phases of different things. I love making miniatures, origami, clay and creating. Doing things you enjoy takes your mind off things and helps me with my Tourette’s.”