“The most striking thing about Jonah is the joy he brings everywhere he goes.”

Jenny Burr
Spur Ottawa Correspondent

Parents of special-needs kids know their children bring a unique perspective to the world. They can bring amazing highs, especially when they reach significant milestones, like graduation. Reaching graduation is a long, challenging road for the parents and their special-needs kid.

Cynthia Walker is one of those moms. Her son Jonah has Down syndrome and he graduates this year.

“We celebrate Jonah a lot,” she shares. “Every new word or task completed. Every day there is something to celebrate.”

But Walker wanted to mark the end of Jonah’s schooling with something more memorable. So she approached her local community groups with a special request.

Jonah Walker receives a certificate from Councillor Stephen Blais. Photo by Raylene Mulroney.

“I have a big ask,” she wrote. “My son will be graduating this year. He has Down syndrome and is 21 years old. I’m asking this community to come out on Friday, May 27, at 6 p.m. to see him and his beautiful girlfriend leave for his prom. My wish is that when he opens the door to leave, he will be awestruck by the love of the community. If you can help me pull this off, I would be so grateful.”

And the community responded. Friends from two Catholic parishes, elementary school peers, city councillor Steven Bliase, and the Ottawa Senators mascot Spartacat all showed up, surprising Jonah as he stepped out the door.

Walker acknowledges that Jonah’s graduation brings bittersweet emotions because Jonah loved school. He enjoyed the routine and being with his friends and teachers.

Jonah and his girlfriend Frances get pictures with Spartacat before heading to the prom. Photo by Joanne Dillon-McKay.

“I am sad to leave school,” Jonah shares. “I will see my friends when there is a party, at my Saturday swim program, and at youth group and dances.”

Jonah loves Wendy’s and wants to cook food after graduation. He also adds, “I want to be a D.J. I want to spread my wings.”

Elizabeth Doucette, who has worked with Jonah for years, says one thing that stands out about him is how much he loves to laugh.

“When he was about 12, he came to my house and wiggled the tail of a teddy bear. It made my brother laugh,” she shares. “Since then, anytime he sees my brother he wiggles his fingers, which makes everyone laugh. He is an intelligent and talented young man, but the most striking thing about Jonah is the joy he brings everywhere he goes.”

Walker arranged for Jonah to leave in a Bentley. Photo by Raylene Mulroney.

Since September, Walker has researched the best options to help Jonah transition from school into a day program. The one she picked offers 10 special-needs adults volunteer training, swimming, social skills, time management, and academics. Jonah now attends the program one day a week, while spending the other four days at school. By September, he will be able to attend full time.

“Leaving the school setting has been a little scary for me,” Walker acknowledges, “but I am blessed to have found a program that suits his needs.”