At JaxConnect, we believe in the immense potential of youth with cerebral palsy (CP). With the right support, these individuals can excel in any field. Our mission is to guide them with the tools and resources they need for day-to-day self-care, navigating college, and finding a career path that suits their unique strengths. We are committed to showing that CP should not limit anyone to "standard" or "easy" jobs.
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Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder caused by a non-progressive brain injury or malformation that occurs while the child's brain is still developing, primarily affecting movement and muscle coordination. Individuals with CP often face challenges such as impaired motor skills, muscle stiffness or weakness, difficulties with balance and posture, and sometimes cognitive impairments. Despite these obstacles, many people with cerebral palsy lead fulfilling lives, leveraging therapies, adaptive technologies, and support systems to navigate daily activities, pursue education, and achieve personal goals. The resilience and determination they exhibit highlight their ability to adapt and thrive in various aspects of life, often with the help of a strong support network including family, healthcare providers, and community resources.
Learn moreJaxconnect was inspired by one of our interns, JC, who has CP. In 2023, JC's guardian reached out to us for a summer internship opportunity crucial for his college application. Despite his best efforts, JC faced numerous rejections, including being let go from an ice cream shop after just three days. It was only through his medical report that we learned about JC's official CP diagnosis—a fact unknown even to his own guardian.
JC's life story is one of resilience and determination:
However, despite JC's best efforts, his medical condition often prevented him from being perceived as "normal" by his peers or adults who did not understand his condition. His shirt would constantly untuck even after his family reminded him to be mindful of his appearance. With our help, his family began to find the right resources for him, such as assistance with tucking in his shirt, managing his bunion shoes, and ensuring proper hygiene. Due to his low tunnel vision, JC often missed the right bus. His lack of social skills also prevented him from accessing resources because he was frequently alone. Physical activities were also challenging for him. Being raised by an immigrant single mom with limited education, his mother struggled to find the right resources. To address these challenges, our site is also available in Chinese to help the Chinese community find what they need.
JC’s unwavering punctuality, responsibility, and close relationship with his mother and aunt demonstrate his strength and dedication. His story underscores the importance of providing tailored support to help individuals with CP thrive academically and personally.
As we first start this journey and mission, JaxConnect aims to provide resources and tools for youth with CP in the U.S. However, as we move forward in our journey, we wish to expand our mission globally. Many individuals with CP in countries outside the U.S. often face bullying, societal rejection, and limited job opportunities. In order to guide these individuals to a brighter future, we are dedicated to supporting local agencies and organizations that are already doing exceptional work in their communities.
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T.H.I.C.K Liaison was created in order to guide Asian youth through a holistic four-step journey encompassing college guidance, mindsets, intangible soft skills training, leadership and entrepreneurship, and community impact. Starting from ClearPillar for college guidance, then Ah Ha for mindsets, intangible soft skills training, then LuluMind for leadership and entrepreneurship, and JaxConnect serves as the final step of the four-step journey. We hope that we can give those with cerebral palsy equal opportunities, living by the guiding principle of giving back to the community. We want to make sure that those with cerebral palsy can be better understood, and better accommodated for. While we aim to support these youth, we often find that they are the ones teaching us some of life’s most profound lessons. However, our mission goes beyond simply giving back to the community. It is about recognizing the strength and resilience inherent in every individual.
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By supporting JaxConnect, you are creating a brighter future for those with CP and their families as well. You are contributing to a platform that offers guidance on self-care, academic success, and career development, ensuring that these individuals are not limited by their condition but empowered to reach their full potential.
JC’s story is just one example of the countless lives we aim to touch. Your support can help us provide the necessary resources and opportunities to individuals who need them the most, both in the U.S. and around the world. Together, we can break down barriers, challenge societal norms, and build a more inclusive and supportive community for all.
Join us in our mission to empower youth with CP. Become a part of Jaxconnect today.
