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Every time the Kent family pulls up to the ��������רע��Ʒ���� campus, a little voice calls out from the back seat of the car.

“B.R.I.D.G.E.W.A.T.E.R.” said Dan Kent, ’10. “He just loves coming here and reads the sign every time we arrive.”

The little voice belongs to his 6-year-old son Desmond, who was born with Down Syndrome. He participates in BSU’s Children’s Physical Development Clinic (CPDC) program.

Dan discovered the program when talking with other special needs parents. As an alumnus, he was excited to hear his alma mater offers support that benefits his son.

“To say I’m proud of Bridgewater, that they have this program, is an understatement. It’s great to be an alum and to know there are great programs like this for kids with disabilities,” he said.

At the CPDC, students from all majors volunteer as clinicians, working with children and youth with disabilities, ages 18 months to 18 years. The program’s goal is to improve the “total development” of children by enhancing vital physical, motor, and aquatic skills and patterns.

“My wife (Shari) comes from a background of early intervention, and she’s been blown away by all of the activities and structure,” Dan said. “And the students that work there have such high enthusiasm.”

Both Shari and Dan have excitedly watched Desmond’s growth, especially in the pool, a space that their son used to be afraid of.

“He loves it, no question. In just a few short weeks he was swimming independently; before, he would hang onto the edge for dear life,” Dan said.

That confidence has carried over into other areas of Desmond’s life.

“He’s talking more confidently than ever. I know the CPDC program has had a huge impact on him,” Dan said.

While Desmond is participating in the program, Dan takes advantage of the opportunity to go down memory lane and walk the BSU campus with his 4-year-old daughter, Bianca.

“When we walk with her and show her things, it gives me time to reflect on college. I get to tell my daughter about what I did here, and that maybe she will go to Bridgewater one day,” Dan said.

It was during one of those walks that Dan learned about BSU’s EXCEL program, a fully inclusive postsecondary program for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

While visiting the bookstore, he came across two students eating lunch. He learned that, although they have disabilities, through EXCEL they enjoy the same experience as their college-aged peers in academics, socialization, career development, and independent living.

“I was so blown away. This level of inclusion didn’t exist when I was a student, and I’m so grateful that it does now,” Dan said.

Knowing his son can follow in his footprints and attend BSU someday, something he wasn’t sure would ever be possible, makes him emotional.

“Sometimes parents with children who have disabilities see nothing but fear, and don’t always see the opportunities,” he said. “But knowing Desmond can go here, as long as he’s capable and wants to … I’m so grateful I went to Bridgewater. I’m grateful to be a Bear.”

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