<div><strong>The Summary</strong>
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<div>Max is a DeafBlind teenager who has never had access to a program designed for the DeafBlind. Therefore, he has potential within him that has never been explored. His family has spent the duration of Max's life advocating for these services, but have constantly met roadblocks due to lack of funding for the DeafBlind. Now, we have the opportunity to provide Max with the appropriate specialists and document his progress for a large audience.
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<div><strong>100% of the money raised from this campaign will be used to provide Max with specialized DeafBlind services for the first time. </strong>
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<div><strong>Our Ask</strong>
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<div>We ask that everybody who is able to contributes $20 to this fundraiser. Time and time again, the SBSK community has proven that our strength is in our numbers. A large amount of people who care can create a significant and positive change in this world.
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<div><strong>The Plan</strong>
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<div>The ideal placement for Max is at Perkins School for the Blind, a school once attended by Helen Keller. Perkins website states "At Perkins, we offer comprehensive educational services to students ages 3 to 22 who are deafblind or deaf with additional disabilities, taking a developmental approach to language, communication and curriculum. Many students also participate in our residential program, which enhances their overall educational experience and reinforces learning through consistency."
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<div>Max was evaluated in 2019 by Perkins and it was determined that he would greatly benefit from the program. Despite their deepest desires, Max's Ohio based family was unable to secure funding for this out of state program.
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<div>When Max's goal is met, he will be able to afford the out of state residential tuition rate of $302,943. This will allow him to live on campus and receive an education from some of the world's most renowned experts on DeafBlind education.
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<div>Perkins is Max's ideal placement if we are able to meet this fundraiser's goal of $300,000. Even if the total raised is less than this amount, Max's family and I have collaborated to create a number of backup plans to ensure Max will still receive highly beneficial specialized services for the DeafBlind. This includes, but is not limited to, funding a program previously created through a collaborative process between Max's family, their local school district, and a DeafBlind advocate. This program would have provided DeafBlind specialists to Max at his local school district, but was never brought into fruition due to lack of educational funding. This program could be funded for three years for $132,000.
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<div>As the fundraising total becomes clear, you will be provided with updates as to the services Max receives.
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<div><strong>The Change We Can Create</strong>
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<div>Now this is the really exciting part! This fundraiser is an opportunity to help not only Max, but people all over the world in a similar situation. Here is how that will happen:
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<li>After Max has spent a significant amount of time in the respective program, I will visit him to film an update.
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<li>This update will consist of interviews with Max, the DeafBlind specialists, and Max's family.
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<li>They will all have the opportunity to describe Max's progress and the methods used to accomplish these results.
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<li>We will document Max's growth when provided the appropriate accommodations.
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<li>This video will be uploaded to the Special Books by Special Kids platforms so that everyone can see what a kid who has been doubted throughout his life can do when placed in the proper environment.
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<li>This video can then be used as a resource for those who are advocating for similar services.
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<div>All of Max's life he has been denied funding for DeafBlind services. At the age of 16, this will be his first time with the appropriate accommodations. This is an incredible opportunity to prove to those who control funding that every student is capable of growth. Together, we can show that every student deserves the accommodations that provide them the best chance at success.
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<div><strong>Thank you for always supporting those who are featured on SBSK. Your love has changed so many lives. Our community grows closer each year and I am so appreciative of this fact. -Chris</strong>
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<div><strong> </strong>
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Santino Sini

Joy Mahiko

Anonymous

Deidre Lorenz

Danni Schwartz

Anna Sekimura

Deena Maurus

Autumn Steinberg

Josephine Harris

Sharleen Gull

Jasmine Goldstein

Emily Babb

A Fair Chance for Max

A Fair Chance for Max

Still $89,042 to go. Help us build momentum.