Once Institutionalized, Mark is Now Using His Voice

“While I was only four years old when he left, I have many precious memories of things we did together,” said Mark Cunnane’s sister Louise Martin. “Being small, I didn’t even second-guess that on Saturdays, our family would go to visit Mark. That’s just what we did.”

Born with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Mark, now 68, was seven years old when his parents had to move him to an institution.

“Mark was probably one of many people whose lives consisted of being sedated and placed in a corner,” Louise said. “As awareness grew about IDD and how to better help people who have them, the state closed the institution—and others—and moved people to residential group homes. It was wonderful for him.”

That was 30 years ago. Mark’s group home was run by the state initially, and Mosaic took it over more than six years ago.

When she first met Mark, Mosaic Area Manager Allison Leue said he did not speak.

“Mark’s history showed he had stopped speaking around the age of 40 for ‘unknown reasons,’ and he also showed extreme behaviors to the point where he didn’t want us to take him to any doctor appointments, which he really needed,” Allison said.

With Mosaic’s support, Mark has made remarkable progress, starting with successfully weaning off many of his medications.

“As he came off of the medicines, he wanted to partake in a lot more activities (such as going to a doctor) whereas he didn’t before.”

Then, about five years ago, Mark’s best friend of 50 years, who had lived in the same institution, passed away.

“We were concerned it would set Mark back. But, he actually blossomed,” Allison said. “We think he may have held back on opportunities to protect his friend.”

Two years ago, another demonstration of progress occurred when Allison tried to give Mark medicine. In that moment, Mark used his voice–a voice that had been silent for so many years–to express his desires.

“He said ‘no’ to me, which made me happier than I can describe! It was such a powerful moment for him to finally have the voice to say ‘no’ or ‘yes.’” Allison said. “Little by little, he started to use small phrases such as ‘I want more’ or ‘I don’t want that.’”

Mosaic’s April Johnson, who was Mark’s direct support professional at the time, also commended his progress. Her caring approach, which is to communicate with Mark in a way that shows she truly sees him and is listening, encouraged Mark to open up even more.

“He also began to show and tell us about things he liked to do,” said April. “He likes to go out to eat, watch TV—especially game shows and soap operas—and go to movies. He’s also accomplished things such as picking up his dirty clothes and placing them in a laundry room hamper and taking his plate to the sink after he’s done eating.”

Today, Mark is game to go anywhere according to Allison.

“He feels more empowered now that he’s using his voice. He’s a really good guy. He’s very kind, smart, he’s very sweet and importantly, he’s well-loved,” Allison said. “He also shows his appreciation when you’re working with him or making sure he’s comfortable in the way he wants to spend his day.”

Louise agreed, adding that Mark is determined to make things go his way.

“There are parts of him and his personality that just make me laugh; I love that he can figure his way around to do what he wants,” Louise said. “I think the older we get, the more we see we’re all really the same.”

One of the things Mark likes to do is watch game shows and soap operas on television.

Because of his increased communication, Mark was able to express his recently-discovered love of coffee, which he now has daily.