stories
Robert Belden’s Story
By age 3 I was able to sit up on my own and speak. Parkside also helped me get my first wheelchair & walker. I continued attending Parkside until age 5.
At age 8 I started receiving support services & did adaptive skiing at Arise which helped me be more independent out in the community and to realize that people living with disabilities can have fun too. During my high school years at Fowler High School I continued to receive a lot of my support services that I received during my younger years like Res Hab, PT and my one-on-one teacher.

My 9th grade year when I was 14 years old I received another manual wheelchair which was provided by CNY Medical. While continuing my education in high school I tried bowling for Fowler and let’s be honest, I wasn’t any good. But there were other things and opportunities I challenged myself with like taking a Cad1, Cad2 & Cierra Home design class at Central Tech. For those who are not familiar with those classes they were for learning how to do blueprints.

Once I reached my 11th & 12th grade year I got my first job through CNY Works summer program where I was a secretary for two years. Towards the end of my high school journey I was able to attend my senior prom and graduation which I’m still very proud of to this day. Class of 2005!