Each year, Wildwood School supports 4,000 individuals and their families. It's all about helping people live a life of dignity, productivity and fulfillment. For many in their programs, maximizing independence begins as young as 5 years old, for children with disabilities at Wildwood School.

Bryan Ladu is a first-year special education teacher at Wildwood School. He heads up a group of 7- to 9-year-olds with autism spectrum disorders, and his classroom is alive with possibilities.

The students have autism spectrum disorders, neurological impairments, and complex learning disabilities.

"It's probably, I think, it's appealing to me for the same reason that it is challenging, which is because we're kind of teaching to the whole child," Ladu said.

Math and reading are part of the lesson plan. But he also teaches daily living skills with a focus on growing each child individually.

As in every Wildwood classroom, there’s a bathroom, full kitchen, cool-down room and designated areas to separate activities.

Taking into consideration the sensory needs of his students, Ladu’s room is filled with color. The harsh fluorescent lights are covered; there are accessible toys and books; and communication visuals can be found throughout the space.

All of this creates an atmosphere of belonging and one that fosters independence.

"When they get here, they come in with a smile on their face,” Ladu explained. “I think for the most part, our kids are happy to be in this classroom, happy to be in the school. They come here and they know that they're loved, and they're being looked after and I think that they leave tired after a long day, and I hope that they leave having learned a lot."

While most students will only be in Ladu’s classroom for a year or two, the impact he can make isn’t lost on him.

"To see them make accomplishments just like warms my heart so much and it makes everything worth it. I think I can't really imagine a more fulfilling job to have," Ladu said.

Each afternoon, Ladu emails parents a rundown of their child's day and he sends each student home with their version of the day's events — what he calls a "goodbye letter.”

Three decades ago, another Wildwood School teacher had a similar idea.

Diana Birnbach saved every composition notebook from her son Jay’s early days in school. Now, it serves as a memoir of sorts, documenting the physical proof of Jay’s progress.

"From not having hope, to having it, to acquiring it, to living it, Jay taught me a lot," Birnbach said.

At age 39, Jay volunteers and participates in group activities at Wildwood’s programs.

Diana remembers the fear she had when she found out Jay had disabilities. Doctors told her only 5% of children like him succeed.

“I was so worried that no one would be able to help us,” Birnbach said. “Who would take care of Jay if something happened to me then?"

Jay’s ability has far surpassed what doctors predicted. Birnbach credits his success to supportive Wildwood teachers — teachers like Ladu.

This year's Spring Gala, presented by Broadview Federal Credit Union, will be the first in-person event they've been able to have in three years.

"When the community gets to know the Wildwood story, that leads to advocacy. That leads to [the] understanding that, yes, people with disabilities are just like us. Welcome to the neighborhood. Yes, I want to call my representative and ask for advocacy for people with disabilities. It means, when the person is in front of you in line at [the] checkout, maybe you take a deep breath, and you give them a couple of more minutes. And that way, we all prosper. We all do better. We're a better community. And that's what Wildwood tries to do," said Wildwood Director of Communications Tom Schreck.