The Heart Behind JuSco’s

LaToya Scott

Founder, CEO, JuSco's Special Abilities Recreation Center

Parenting my son, Julian, has been the greatest privilege of my life and one of my greatest teachers. Before becoming his mom, I thought I understood patience, love, and perseverance. Parenting Julian has shown me that those words have a much deeper meaning than I ever imagined.

One of the greatest lessons parenting has taught me is that progress is far more meaningful than perfection. Our victories may look different from someone else's, but they are victories just the same. Every new skill learned, every fear overcome, every friendship formed, and every milestone reached is a reminder that growth happens in its own time. I've learned to celebrate what others may overlook because I know the courage, determination, and hard work behind each accomplishment.

The journey has not always been easy. There have been seasons filled with uncertainty, tears, therapy appointments, evaluations, long days, and moments when I questioned whether I was making the right decisions for my son. There were times when advocating felt exhausting and navigating systems felt overwhelming. But even in those moments, God was teaching me. He was teaching me to trust Him, to remain steadfast, and to keep moving forward one step at a time.

Parenting Julian has also taught me to slow down. In a world that often celebrates speed, productivity, and comparison, my son has shown me the beauty of living in the moment. He has reminded me to notice the little things, to find joy in everyday experiences, and to appreciate life through a different lens. His perspective has changed mine for the better.

Perhaps the greatest lesson of all is that autism is not something to fear. It is one part of who Julian is, but it does not define his worth or limit his potential. He is intelligent, kind, compassionate, funny, determined, and wonderfully unique. Like every child, he has strengths, challenges, dreams, and gifts that deserve to be seen, nurtured, and celebrated.

Parenting has also taught me that diversity is one of God's greatest gifts. Every individual was created with unique abilities, personalities, and ways of experiencing the world. Our differences are not flaws to be fixed. They are qualities that enrich our families, our schools, our workplaces, and our communities. When we embrace diversity instead of fearing it, we create spaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Advocacy has become more than something I do. It has become part of who I am.

Parenting Julian has taught me that advocacy isn't always about standing behind a podium or speaking into a microphone. Sometimes advocacy is found in everyday conversations, educating others with grace, asking for accommodations, challenging misconceptions, and helping people see ability before disability. It is about ensuring that every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.

One lesson that continues to shape my heart is the importance of inclusion. Inclusion is much more than opening a door or extending an invitation. True inclusion means creating environments where individuals of all abilities are genuinely welcomed, valued, supported, and given opportunities to participate and succeed. Every person deserves to know that they belong, not because they have earned a place, but because their presence matters.

My hope is that our communities continue to grow in awareness and understanding of all disabilities, both visible and invisible. When our schools, churches, businesses, parks, recreational programs, and neighborhoods intentionally become more inclusive, everyone benefits. Visibility creates understanding. Understanding cultivates compassion. Compassion inspires action. And together, those actions build communities where every individual can flourish.

Above all, parenting Julian has strengthened my faith. It has reminded me that God does not make mistakes and that every person is created with purpose. Julian has taught me far more than I could ever teach him. He has taught me to love without conditions, to celebrate differently, to persevere through challenges, and to find beauty in places I may have otherwise overlooked.

As I share our journey, my prayer is that other families know they are not alone. I hope our story encourages parents who may feel overwhelmed, inspires others to become advocates for inclusion, and reminds our communities that every person, regardless of ability, has immeasurable value. Together, we can build a world where differences are celebrated, every voice is heard, every family feels supported, and everyone truly belongs.