Albertson, NY – On March 13, Matthew Romero, a fifth-grade student at the Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center, received the 2026 “Yes, I Can” Award in the Technology category from the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). This national honor recognizes students with disabilities who have demonstrated exceptional achievement through the effective use of technology, including assistive technology, to enhance their academic and non-academic skills.
Matthew was presented with the award at CEC’s annual ceremony in Salt Lake City, where he was joined by his family and his school occupational therapist, Jennifer Noronha, PhD, OTR/L, ATP, who nominated him for the award. Born with Arthrogryposis, a physical disability that limits the use of his arms and hands and affects his speech, Matthew uses assistive mobility devices, including both manual and power wheelchairs, to navigate his daily life.
In her nomination letter, Dr. Noronha highlighted Matthew’s remarkable outlook, and character: “I have never heard him complain about things he is unable to do. The words ‘I can’t’ are not in his vocabulary; rather, he asks, ‘How can I do this?’ He is the epitome of compassion, selflessness, and humility.”
Despite these challenges, Matthew consistently demonstrates determination and resilience. He refuses to let limitations define him, instead using them as motivation to achieve greater independence both at school and at home, with the support of his family. Through occupational therapy services provided during the school day, along with the use of adaptive and assistive technology, Matthew has expanded his ability to engage with the world around him. Technology has empowered him to express his creativity and independence in meaningful ways, from feeding himself to typing, writing, and creating art.
Matthew is also an active member of the Henry Viscardi School community. He participates on the school’s wheelchair basketball team and enjoys activities such as air hockey and surfing.
Matthew continues to thrive with the support of assistive technology and those around him. As he puts it, “I can do anything I put my mind to.”
About the Henry Viscardi School
Founded in 1962, Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center is an alternative, accessible traditional educational choice for parents and a resource to school districts that cannot accommodate the academic, health and assistive technology needs of children with severe orthopedic disabilities, many of whom require life-sustaining medical treatment and extensive support throughout the day and may otherwise need to receive instruction in their homes or a hospital setting. It is a New York State (4201) Special Education School located on Long Island in Albertson, New York and serves children with physical disabilities who are referred from school districts in the New York metropolitan area, including those in Long Island, Westchester, and all five boroughs of New York City. Although the students’ primary disability is physical, they have a wide variety of multiple disabilities. A teaching community dedicated to empowering students through personal growth and leadership development, the Henry Viscardi School (HVS) offers a combination of rigorous academics at a variety of levels, social emotional learning, vocational training, transition planning and robust cultural enrichment that enables them to be active, independent, self-sufficient participants in society.
About Council for Exceptional Children
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the success of children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. CEC advocates appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides professional development, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice. CEC is known as the source of information, resources, and professional development for special educators.