Rebecca Beaton Recognized with PLAN RI Scholarship

September 23rd, 2013 [Providence, RI] Rebecca Beaton who is a quadriplegic and suffers from severe cerebral palsy, has spent the majority of her 41 years in pursuit of knowledge. She started advocating for her right to a normal public education when she first entered middle school, fought her way into standard high school classes despite obstacles presented by the public school system, and graduated with honors in 1993. After earning an Associate’s Degree from the Community College of Rhode Island in 1997, and having recently registered for a course at Rhode Island College, she has achieved a full-fledged academic career and is an inspiration to individuals with developmental disabilities everywhere.

As a result, she is being recognized by the Personal Lifetime Advocacy Networks of Rhode Island (PLAN RI), a non-profit organization of families who have relatives with disabilities. Although she is not even a member of the organization, her relentless courage has earned her a scholarship to attend the TASH (The Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps) New England Conference during their annual awards ceremony. The conference will take place on April 12th at Rhode Island College, but PLAN RI also hosted an awards ceremony and dessert social, “How Sweet It Is!” on Friday, September 20th at the Pilgrim Senior Center.  The event honored several advocates, including Rebecca. “I couldn’t believe it…I got butterflies in my stomach,” Rebecca said in response to the news. In addition to her lifelong determination to persevere against all odds, she is described by others as having a “truly winning personality” – it is no surprise that her accomplishments are finally being rewarded.

About West Bay Residential Services, Inc.

West Bay Residential Services, Inc. provides care and residential support services to more than 130 individuals with developmental disabilities. West Bay helps individuals make daily choices, maintain friend and family relationships, and have fun while establishing their role in the community.