- Kandace Wittry-Kern lives in Marshalltown.
Dear legislators, I am writing to ask for you to support our Area Education Agencies. And this is why.
I am in a unique position to advocate for our AEAs both as a former recipient of AEA services AND a current employee of Central Rivers AEA.
When I was 2 years old, I fell off a bunk bed and suffered a stroke as a result of my injuries. With limited medical capability at the time, doctors were not optimistic about my chances for recovery. Despite this dire prediction, I eventually returned home to my family from the hospital. Unfortunately, the lasting effects from the stroke were very significant.
Among many challenges, the right side of my body was paralyzed and I was unable to talk. I had difficulty walking without an assistive device and could no longer lift my right arm or hold items with my right hand. Although surgery at age 7 helped minimize the pain I would have when a certain area on my head was bumped, residual pain still occurs from time to time. My parents were at a loss regarding what to expect for my future or how to help me do basic everyday activities like getting dressed, using silverware, walking up and down stairs, or even communicating my basic wants and needs!