Carrson Vioral likes to keep himself busy.
The 18-year-old Deer Lakes senior has found himself immersed in the school’s basketball and bocce teams and plans to join the swim team this winter. He also is involved in the school’s coffee shop and Best Buddies, a club fostering mentorship and leadership development for people with disabilities.
“I’m always busy,” Vioral said. “They’re interesting, so I get involved in it.”
Those who know Vioral commend him for his independent, assertive nature. Living with Down syndrome does not stop him from achieving what he wants to pursue.
“His independence has really inspired his peers,” said Lindsay McGaughey, director of special education at Deer Lakes.
Vioral’s efforts landed him a panelist position at the PA Community of Transition Conference in July. There, he spoke on his participation in extracurricular activities.
“Society always focuses on what a disabled child can’t do, instead of what they can do,” said Anna Vioral, Carrson’s mother.
She said her son wasn’t diagnosed with Down syndrome until he was 11 months old. She also said she didn’t treat him as a child with Down syndrome, which may have contributed to his ambition.
At the conference, Vioral talked about his involvement with the Deer Lakes basketball team. He was adamant about joining the team last year, and they welcomed him with open arms, Anna Vioral said.
“What I watched that team do was amazing,” she said. “It wasn’t about taking the disabled kid in. They really embraced him.”
Highlights of last season were Vioral scoring points in a varsity game and the team’s championship run to the WPIAL final.
“The crowd was loud,” Vioral said. “That year was awesome.”
Vioral’s outgoing nature and love for people also have improved how Deer Lakes helps to encourage inclusiveness for special education students.
“I’m glad that he can help teach people about what Deer Lakes is about and all the possibilities for students with disabilities,” McGaughey said.
Vioral said he lives by the motto “never give up.” He does so to prove that he can do things he doesn’t think he can do.
“Watching Carrson grow over the past year has been a truly rewarding experience,” said Natalie Travaglia, a Life Skills teacher at Deer Lakes. “In the short time I’ve known him, Carrson has shown tremendous growth, particularly in his senior year. Carrson’s journey shows that with support and determination, any challenge can be met with confidence.”
Anna Vioral praised her son’s ability to make friends wherever he goes.
“What Carrson has taught all of us is to live in the moment,” she said. “I’m most proud of his ability to help people live in the moment.”
