Feature by Penn State Harrisburg's Kendis Butler

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Elise Joyce was alone when she got the news. She had recently given birth to a baby boy and she was elated.

That elation didn't last long, however, as moments later she was told that her baby had Down syndrome. 

"He [the geneticist] didn't even wait for my husband to be in the room," she explained. "I was alone getting the news. I cried. A nurse from my church heard me and came in, held my hand, and prayed with me. I think God heard. Matt is truly a gift from God."

"He [the geneticist] didn't even wait for my husband to be in the room. I was alone getting the news. I cried. A nurse from my church heard me and came in, held my hand, and prayed with me. I think God heard. Matt is truly a gift from God." - Elise Joyce

Elise Joyce's "gift" is her son Matt, who is one of a number of students who have graduated from Penn State Harrisburg's career studies program in Middletown, Pa.

The career studies program has produced a post-secondary initiative and career-enhancing experience to help those with intellectual disabilities in their future endeavors. The two-year, four-semester program embraces several core themes and principles that focus on ability rather than disability, independence, and a sense of belonging. Among the 116 colleges and universities in Pennsylvania, only 15 of them, not including the career studies program, have opportunities for those that have intellectual disabilities, according to the PA Inclusive Higher Education Consortium (PIHEC). Three of the 15 have just started within the past two years alone. Penn State Harrisburg, along with 11 other colleges and universities in the state, established these programs through the D.R.E.A.M. Partnership. 

"The mission of the D.R.E.A.M. Partnership is to develop scholarship and post-secondary educational opportunities, which lead to independent living and employment for students with intellectual disabilities in Pennsylvania," the organization's website states. 

There are 11 students currently enrolled in the program at Penn State Harrisburg. The students range from ages 18-25 and there is no requirement on high school graduation in order to apply. In addition to their coursework, the students are also required to have involvement in an array of campus activities, as well as some form of employment for 20-30 hours a week. 

Matt's involvement on campus consisted of him serving as a manager for Penn State Harrisburg's men basketball and baseball teams. Although he graduated in the spring of 2020, Joyce is still dedicating his time to the men's basketball program. But his love for sports began long before he got to Penn State Harrisburg. 

LIFE BEFORE PENN STATE HARRISBURG

Joe and Elise Joyce are parents of two children that have intellectual disabilities. But that fact does not define them or their family. 

Joe Joyce is currently an Executive Vice President at Keystone Insurance and is on the board at the Autism Society of America. Elise Joyce, before having children, worked as a Volunteer Coordinator and Art Instructor at the Susquehanna Art Museum. At first, the two were nervous about sending Matt to school, since many families with special needs children had horror stories about their child's school experiences. Thankfully, however, that wasn't the case for Matt. 

"We consider ourselves blessed," Elise said. "Matt's school years were outstanding. He started at a special needs preschool at two years old. He loved it. It helped that Matt has always been a social butterfly." 

From the very beginning, Matt attended school with "typical" kids of his age. He learned numerous social cues and how to act from his friends. He attended South Hanover Elementary School in the Lower Dauphin School District where he was in the regular classes aided by a Personal Care Assistant (PCA). His parents were impressed and are "forever grateful that Lower Dauphin Special Services have always done what is right for Matt and his needs." 

"It is vital that parents and the school district work together," said Elise. "By doing so, we all 'win' - parents, the school district, the community, and most importantly, Matt." 

"It is vital that parents and the school district work together. By doing so, we all 'win' - parents, the school district, the community, and most importantly, Matt." - Elise Joyce

Each ensuing step in Matt's journey created additional worries and anxieties for his parents. 

"Matt's experiences were so positive in elementary school, it was nerve-wracking as parents to think how middle school would pan out," Elise explained. "It seemed so big. Would he get lost? Would he be ignored? Teased? Bullied?"

Once again, Elise and Joe's apprehensions were eased. Matt continued to make friends and started to get involved in extracurricular activities at the school. In middle school, he was given the opportunity to help out at the radio station. Matt got to choose the songs and even got to announce over the loudspeaker that it was time for the Pledge of Allegiance. Just like every other middle school-aged child, Matt began to discover some of his passions for the first time in music and sports. He took pride in participating in the Special Olympics and also enjoyed and was quite good at, according to his mother, playing baseball, soccer, and basketball. 

When it was time for high school, there was more understandable nervousness. But once again, Matt and his parents needed not worry. 

"He was blessed with a fabulous, experienced Special Education Life Skills teacher. She really listened to Joe and I at our first Individual Education Plan (IEP) meeting," recalled Elise. "She met Matt where he was academically and understood how to reach him. She didn't accept mediocrity."

When Matt became more comfortable academically, he took the step of getting involved in student life by becoming a waterboy for Lower Dauphin's football and basketball teams. He also joined their track & field team as an exhibition athlete, throwing the shot put and discus. 

"Our role, mainly Joe, in the beginning was to help Matt know what duties to perform and when," Matt's mother explained. "For instance, you only go onto the football field during a time out. Matt absolutely loved hanging out with the guys and being a part of the team." 

Although being a part of the sports teams was very important to Matt and his family, one of the best moments happened during the homecoming dance when Matt was voted homecoming king by his classmates and friends. 

"It was a night we will never forget," reminisced Elise. "Not only because Matt was beaming with pride but because the student body, his friends, were genuinely happy that he was their 'king.'"

"It was a night we will never forget. Not only because Matt was beaming with pride but because the student body, his friends were genuinely happy that he was their 'king.'" - Elise Joyce

That same night, the whole student body decided to donate the dance proceeds to the Central Pennsylvania Down Syndrome Society in honor of Matt. It was in that moment, while Elise and her husband were chaperoning the dance, that their hope for Matt's future was elevated to a new level. 

"These were the kids that one day will have kids of their own - maybe even one with Down syndrome," said Elise. "Their acceptance and true respect and friendship with a classmate with Down syndrome will help generations come to know that we are more alike than different." 

In this way, Elise and Joe saw that there was a welcoming world in which to send Matt. And that opportunity presented itself through Penn State Harrisburg's Career Studies Program. 

LIFE IN THE CLASSROOM ACCORDING TO ELISE AND JOE JOYCE

"When Matt was a kid we never wanted to set limits on what he could achieve," his mother stated. "But to be perfectly honest, I didn't envision him having the opportunity to attend college." 

Elise explained that parents of children with intellectual disabilities don't normally have the chance to dream for the future. Instead, they are focused on concentrating on the "here and now." 

Matt's high school life skills teacher thought the Career Studies Program at Penn State Harrisburg would be a perfect fit for him. Before graduating from Lower Dauphin, Matt and his parents got the chance to visit campus and observe the Career Studies class. Elise and Joe agreed that attending college at Penn State Harrisburg was the right fit for Matt. And, of course, as Elise recollected, Matt thought so too. 

Once again, Matt had little to no issues transitioning to his new academic environment. While he attended school at Penn State Harrisburg, he also worked part-time for the custodial staff at Lower Dauphin. For those in the Career Studies program, working part-time is encouraged to amass job experience while getting an education. 

"The Career Studies Program has given these students the basics that all parents want for their children - a college experience that educates them, opens their minds to new ideas, prepares them for the workplace, creates friendships, and shapes them to be good citizens in their communities," said Elise.

For Matt and other students that have gone through and are currently in the program, there is a newfound confidence that comes with going to college. The Career Studies Program, and others like it, offers opportunities that not every college student gets to experience, let alone those with intellectual disabilities. 

"Career Studies offered the opportunity to have our son with Down Syndrome continue to learn, grow, and thrive in a college atmosphere," Elise noted. "The benefits are priceless. Throughout life, Matt has had to work harder than others to achieve what many take for granted. Matt is proud and gained confidence from his time in college." 

"The benefits are priceless. Throughout life Matt has had to work harder than others to achieve what many take for granted. Matt is proud and gained confidence from his time in college." - Elise Joyce

Matt is not the only one who has benefitted from a post-secondary education and the need and desire for others like him to go to college is continuing to grow. More than 5,500 students with intellectual disabilities are attending college in the United States, according to Think College; an encouraging number for students like Matt and their families. 

"Instead of looking at someone with Down Syndrome and thinking about what they can't do, they think about what they can do." said Elise. 

LIFE ON THE COURT ACCORDING TO PENN STATE HARRISBURG MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH DON FRIDAY

Don Friday wasn't sure how Matt Joyce would adapt to being a manager of the men's basketball team at Penn State Harrisburg. To say the least, the head coach was pleasantly surprised. 

"When we were called about Matt about three and a half years ago, I had no idea that it would grow and blossom into where it is now. He's a big part of our program."

Friday has been the head coach of Penn State Harrisburg's men's basketball program since 2013. He has earned a distinguished reputation among the Pennsylvania basketball communtiry ranging from Division III schools like Lebanon Valley College and Lycoming College to Division I programs including Bucknell University and Saint Francis University (Pa.). His 31-year coaching career has given him the opportunity to impact many lives and allow many others to touch his own. One of the people who has had a huge impact on Friday's life just happens to be Matt Joyce. 

"When Matt first started off, he was very shy with me," said Friday. "So I would talk to him and his response would be a very timid 'yes,' and his father would say 'volume' and then Matt would say 'yes' louder."

Matt officially joined the men's basketball team as their manager in 2017. He never missed a practice unless it conflicted with his job at the local elementary school, or to go to the Tim Tebow Ball in Arizona, or to be on a family vacation that centered on trying to give back to the Down syndrome community. Friday also said that a big reason why Matt is so involved with the men's basketball program is because of the efforts of his parents. Prior to away games, Elise and Joe drop their son off at campus for the bus departure. They follow the bus to the game, support the team, and follow the bus back to Penn State Harrisburg so Matt can truly experience what it's like to be with the team. 

"A lot of parents go to see their children play in a game," said Friday. "Mr. and Mrs. Joyce will go to see their son involved. So that part of it is just amazing. And it all goes back to the support system."

Friday explained that when you combine the avenue for inclusion through the Career Studies Program and two parents who are "just ultra supportive, we sit here and marvel at what a great experience this is for Matt to be a part of our program." 

"But I will say this - it's been a greater experience for us to be involved with Matt," Friday continued. "Now I didn't understand that when this first began, but I do now. I'll be the first one to say that we don't do this to check off a box that we are doing something to show that we create inclusion or diversity or equity. No, we are doing this because it's the right thing to do." 

"I'll be the first one to say that we don't do this to check off a box that we are doing something to show that we create inclusion or diversity or equity. No, we are doing this because it's the right thing to do." - Don Friday

Matt has become a part of the Penn State Harrisburg men's basketball family in more ways than one. The players dubbed him "Matty Ice" - a nickname that's stuck over the years. When the team won the 2020 North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) Championship, the players escorted him to the front of the postgame celebration so he could accept the trophy. 

"If that doesn't tell you what Matt means to our program and what kind of empathy and respect our kids have for him, I don't know what does," said Friday. 

Two years ago, Matt gave Coach Friday a Snoopy ornament for Christmas and every year before Friday and his family put that ornament on their Christmas tree, they facetime Matt to remind him that they "saved the best for last." Over the course of the pandemic, Friday called Matt to talk to him about his hobbies of playing the guitar, bowling, and horseback riding.

"I talk to him about those things now because I have a friendship with Matt," said Friday.

One of the best moments Coach Friday had with Matt was after a very intense practice one night. In the eyes of Friday, nothing was going right.

"All of the sudden, Matt walks over to the center circle and puts his head on my chest and gives me a hug," Friday explained. "Something like that just melts you because he's seeing it from a different perspective."

At the end of the day, Matt takes great pride in the men's basketball program and he strives to be a role model for other men and women with Down syndrome.

"He wants to be somebody who stands out and shows people in similar situations that you can be involved and you can be important and you can be fulfilled and you can have 100 percent normalcy in safe spaces with people who understand and are willing to make you feel welcome," said Friday before summing up his experience with Matt the past three seasons. "There's other ways to spread wealth. I'm not a millionaire, I'm not a billionaire. I can't just give money to charity and all those things but what I can do is create opportunities and have involvement and be empathetic and care. And sometimes that is more valuable than money. In that way, I feel pretty rich."

"There's other ways to spread wealth. I'm not a millionaire, I'm not a billionaire. I can't just give money to charity and all those things but what I can do is create opportunities and have involvement and be empathetic and care. And sometimes that is more valuable than money. In that way, I feel pretty rich." - Don Friday

WORK TO BE DONE

Sandy McBride, who was a special education teacher for 35 years and is currently working in the Career Studies Program at Penn State Harrisburg had this to say about the special education experience: "There have been many changes with special education since I started in 1985. The school environments are much more inclusive and students with disabilities are accepted more than they used to be." 

According to Noodle.com, there are more than 270 colleges and universities that provide programs for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

"That's 270 more than years ago," admitted Elise. "But in our opinion, it's not enough." 

There is an accepted notion within the special needs education field that there have been tremendous improvements over the years. That said, there is still a long way to go.

Elise outlined a few improvements she hopes to see made within the Career Studies Program relating to housing, off-campus experiences, and peer mentoring expansion. According to Think College, of the 15 universities and colleges that have programs for those with intellectual disabilities, 10 of them offer on-campus housing, off-campus housing, or a mixture of both options. That's an opportunity that she believes Penn State Harrisburg is missing out on. 

"More often than not, our special needs kids still live with their working parents," she said. "They don't move far away and live on campus like many typical college students. We need more colleges and universities to offer opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities." 

Elise and Joe believe that a similar addition would help the students in the Career Studies Program become more confident and less parent-dependent in real-life situations. One of Matt's favorite things about the program was his relationship with peer mentors and his mother would love to see the peer mentorship part of the program grow to include some nighttime and/or weekend hours a few times a month to help the Career Studies students socialize both on and off campus. 

"I have found that most special needs young adults crave being accepted into a group," she explained. "Having peer mentors help guide and expand their independent social skills and would definitely be a plus to the program." 

While improvements can always be made, Matt's parents expressed tremendous gratitude for the enormous impact the Career Studies Program has had on their son and their family. 

"When Matt shares with people he is a Penn State Careers Studies grad, it enlightens them," said Elise. "Now, instead of looking at someone with Down syndrome and thinking about what they cannot do - they think about what they can do. That's powerful."

"When Matt shares with people he is a Penn State Careers Studies grad, it enlightens them. Now, instead of looking at someone with Down syndrome and thinking about what they cannot do - they think about what they can do. That's powerful." - Elise Joyce