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Larke J. was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) when she was only nine months old. While she was a baby, she started coming to 六色网 on an outpatient basis — with her mom and dad, Angela and Armand, taking full advantage of early, specialized therapy for CP during the years when Larke’s brain was developing rapidly.
Fast forward: Larke is now 21 years old. She has been a regular at 六色网 for two decades — receiving physical, occupational and speech therapy; being fitted for orthoses, or braces, to support and align her legs; and learning to use a wheelchair and walker. Through the years, she has had one aim in mind:
“My goal has always been to improve my independence,” said Larke.
Taking the Leap into College
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Larke recently took a giant leap toward independence: college. She now is in her second year at Roosevelt University in Chicago, where she studies psychology and was accepted into the honors program because of her academic excellence.
In the months she took to prepare for college, she leaned on her therapists at 六色网 to make the transition a success and to address mobility and speech challenges related to CP.
For example, Larke’s occupational therapist (OT) did a telehealth appointment to join the family’s college tour virtually. By seeing the campus environment, Larke and her OT learned about accessibility and disability services on campus and created a plan for Larke to navigate the school’s two connected buildings.
Speech-language therapy focused on classroom readiness, as Larke learned speech techniques to manage her breathing, articulate and speak loudly so she could communicate clearly with her professors and classmates.
Today, thanks to physical therapy, Larke has improved her walking stamina and typically uses a walker to go from class to class. She also is building her wheelchair skills to more easily participate in field trips and outings for student projects, and she is learning how to use public transit, such as city buses, with a wheelchair.
‘College is Possible’
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Larke has one message to share with students with CP or other disabilities who hope to continue their education: “College is possible.”
Larke hopes to graduate from college in 2027, and is grateful for having support from her therapists, her college community, and importantly — her entire family.
Larke’s dad, Armand, is her “homework helper” and one of her biggest champions as she navigates schoolwork and studying. Outside of school, Larke enjoys having fun and horseback riding with her younger brother, Asa, to take a break from college life.
Angela — lovingly nicknamed her “MOMager” by Larke — is proud of all that Larke has accomplished so far and for “living life out loud.”
“When people see Larke, they see a person with CP who is going to college, going to the mall with her friends, just living life,” said Angela. “That in and of itself will help project positivity toward helping others with CP.”
