How Daniel Rohde Helps Individuals with Special Needs

At Johnson City Middle School, an eighth-grade student named Daniel Rohde stands out for his civic-minded spirit. This school year, Daniel became a part of the Binghamton University Liberty Partnership Program, where he discovered a passion for community service and collaboration.

Under the guidance of Mr. Quentin Pappadakis, the Liberty academic counselor, Daniel found himself immersed in a world of opportunities – from community engagement and college visits to enriching field trips and events. As the Liberty group brainstormed ideas for a winter project, Daniel's mind immediately gravitated towards the Big Red Adaptive Play and Design Initiative, affectionately known as Big Red APDI.

Daniel's inspiration for this project traced back to his experience at "Splash! At Cornell," an event he attended through another program he's involved in, the Binghamton University Science Technology Entry Program (BU STEP). BU STEP not only provides STEM activities but also encourages students to explore various fields through college visits and unique experiences like "Splash! At Cornell."

At "Splash," Daniel encountered Eddie Ramirez, an officer of Big Red APDI, who led a class on rewiring stuffed animals. Eddie's passion for using technology to make assistive technologies more accessible left a lasting impression on Daniel. Intrigued by Big Red APDI's mission, Daniel wasted no time in reaching out to the organization with his idea for a collaborative project.

To his delight, Eddie responded, and after a series of emails, planning sessions, and a virtual Zoom meeting, Liberty Partnership found themselves gearing up for a special event at Cornell University on December 16th. The collaboration was set to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals with special needs.

Upon arrival at the Cornell campus, Daniel and his Liberty peers were welcomed by a team of  volunteers from Big Red APDI. Stations were set up with toys to adapt, and with a presentation to guide them, the Liberty group dived into the hands-on process. Fumbling a bit at first, they quickly learned to identify and solve unique problems with each toy. By the end of the day, they had adapted about a dozen toys, spreading joy during the holiday season.

Reflecting on the experience, Daniel expressed his joy and pride in being part of a program that not only provided valuable skills but also fostered meaningful connections. The event not only solidified his relationship with Cornell University but also taught him the importance of networking and collaboration in making a positive impact.

The collaboration with Big Red APDI left Daniel with a newfound appreciation for community service and a desire to explore diverse academic paths. While his initial plans included law school, the experience opened his eyes to the possibilities of an accelerated degree program at Binghamton University, allowing him to pursue a bachelor's in History, Philosophy, Politics, or Law, followed by a master's degree in Public Administration, in just five years before law school.

As Daniel continues to navigate his academic journey, he carries with him the lessons learned from this experience. This has not only fueled his passion for making a positive impact but has also unveiled previously undiscovered possibilities for his future.