Cali

Cali is 27-year-old college student from Northern Virginia who we awarded an iPad to in 2011. At the time Cali and her mother received serious and life-changing injuries in a car accident that propelled them into homelessness and a year in a shelter. They continue to struggle but with help and counseling, Cali has made it through high school and college and now continues with advanced studies. Cali is a talented writer for which she has received several awards over the years. The accident left Cali with a TBI resulting in hearing and cognitive challenges as well as chronic migraines and seizures, for which she continues to receive therapy. Now that her previously awarded iPad is no longer functioning, Cali requested an upgrade to a MacBook Pro that has the capacity she needs to continue her education and career pursuits and meet requirements to fill out forms, make appointments, access test results and records, attend classes and workshops, submit and sign documents and more – all digitally.

The ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV) has assisted and advocated for Cali ever since the car accident, including getting her needed supports in her school system to help her excel. Cali is also an advocate for other students with disabilities, and has worked hard to complete additional certifications and leadership programs, and has taken an active leadership role on her college campus, including efforts to make her college more inclusive. Assistive technology and hard work has helped Cali accomplish a great deal since her accident a decade ago. The technology upgrade that The Eric Fund is providing will make her continuing educational and career journey a little easier. With news of the award, Cali said, “I am crying! I cannot believe it. This is life changing, truly. I am just so grateful to The Eric Fund.”