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Bernie, who has Friedreich's Ataxia, a form of muscular dystrophy, was placed at Laconia State School when he was sixteen years old and stayed until he was 37. At that point, Bernie decided he wanted to live independently, moved in a boarding house and worked at various jobs to support himself.
Bernie eventually reunited with his two brothers who also have disabilities and with the support of our Residential Services staff, they now live together in a three bedroom house in their hometown. Each day, a Crotched Mountain direct care worker visits Bernie and his brothers, helping with some daily activities. Bernie continues to work as a self-advocate, speaking at conferences and in college classrooms. Bernie is also active in local and national political campaigns, the American Heart Association, and the American Cancer Society. |