Richard and Patty Vassi

Angels in Adoption 2005 - New York

Selected by Representative Michael R. McNulty

Jonathan Vassi was born December 20, 1087 in the town of Pasto, Colombia, near the Ecuador border in South America. Rich and Patty Vassi adopted him from Colombia, and brought him to the United States in 1989, when he was 2 years old. Jonathan was born with a cleft lip and palate and was severely malnourished. He weighed only 17 pounds when he arrived in this country. In February 1990, Jonathan underwent surgery to have his cleft palate repaired and tubes put in his ears. He was diagnosed with autism one month later. Jonathan's grandmothers, Margaret Smith and Ann Vassi, play an important role in Jonathan's life and provided in-home child care through his elementary school years. Home therapy began at the age of 2 to 3 for Jon with a special education teacher and physical and occupational therapists who worked with him weekly. Jonathan then attended Beginnings preschool which is under the auspices of the State University of New York at Albany. This program provided quality special educational services and therapies. Jon began kindergarten at Blue Creek Elementary School in the North Colonie, New York School District. Blue Creek provided Jon an opportunity to be included in a regular school program. As a teenager, Jon began attending the Wildwood School, a private specialized school for neurologically impaired children. He is currently a student at the school. Jon enjoys summer camp at Wildwood's camp in Altamont, New York. He participates in horseback riding, swimming, weekend recreation, and weekend respite provided by the Center for the Disabled. Jonathan's mom, Patty Vassi, is the Manager of Intake and Educational Advocacy in the Center for the Disabled's Service Coordination Department and has worked for the Center for over 20 years. Jon's dad, Richard, is the Director of Wellness and Aquatics at the Center for the Disabled and has been a teacher of Special Education and Adaptive Physical Education for 18 years. Richard and Patty Vassi - through dedication and commitment - are tireless advocates for Jonathan. Their contributions and selflessness make a significant difference in the lives of other children as well.

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