Chad has never let his disability limit him from developing his talents into a diversified career as an actor, model, athlete, and dancer. He has excelled at powerlifting, volleyball, and swimming in the Special Olympics and has won several Mirror Ball trophies for dance performances. Today with the strong support of family and determination he continues to excel.

When and how did you start taking an interest in modeling and dance?C: I have always loved people and been a little bit of a ham. I thrive in social situations so performing in front of people came naturally to me. For the last twenty years Elvis has inspired me. First, I fell in love with his music and his voice which is just so smooth and confident. Then I learned how to watch his dancing on YouTube and started copying his moves and realized I am a pretty good dancer! My friends and family had me perform for them and before I knew it, I was doing dance competitions for the Special Olympics. Now I train every week doing ballroom lessons with a private instructor, Rebekah Klyukin at A Time to Dance learning salsa and rhumba and other latin-based dances. Sometimes we do a country number. She usually lets me choose the music so I get to dance to my favorite songs.
For the last year I have been working with my creative manager, Renata Sheppard. She has featured me in several short dance films, worked on my speaking skills and is helping build a professional portfolio.

Which is your most memorable sports championship and why?C: In high school, I was the assistant coach for the varsity football team and trained with the team. I lettered in track for participation in sprints. I have always loved sports and the challenge of athletics. I like the drive, discipline and determination that is required to be a good athlete. Another special moment was during the Special Olympics in Norfolk, VA where I live. I carried the torch which is physically demanding and an accomplishment that I am really proud of. I am not sure anyone thought I could do the entire run but I sure did!

Can you tell us about your work experience? What is the best thing you love about your work?C: I began my work experience at Sugar Plum Bakery, where several of the employees are special needs. It was a great way for me to start out. Now, I work for Tim at Maguire and Sons, which is a used-car dealership in Norfolk, Virginia. I detail cars and help out on the floor. I really, really love this job and the people I work with. Every Tuesday night, I work at Shorebreak Pizza where I clean dishes and prep materials for the restaurant. I usually take the public transportation to work and really enjoy being independent. I like the drive to and from work and use that time to make phone calls to check in on my friends, listen to music and check out the latest posts and comments on my Instagram and Facebook.

What challenges have you faced during your school years? How did you face these challenges?C: I am extremely fortunate that my experience in school was positive, and I wasn't bullied or made fun of because of I have Down Syndrome. My parents insisted that I stayed in mainstream education, for which I am grateful. I was accepted by my peers and friends and felt very much a part of my educational experience. My little sister, Nathalie, may have dealt with some teasing from her peers about me. And apparently, she handled the situation quite well in the cafeteria one day, threatening to pour milk on someone! I just found out about this recently and it made me laugh.

What are your other hobbies?C: My life is full of hobbies and passions! In addition to dance and Elvis, I love belting out a good tune on my karaoke machine, bowling with my guy friends, cooking with my mom, boating with my dad, traveling and meeting new people, animals and working out. I work out every day and am very disciplined about it. I like a routine and I like the way I feel when I work out.

What do you like to do when you are with your family/friends?C: We watch movies, cook, sometimes go out to dinner. I have an awesome and very close family and we have a lot of fun together.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?C: Don't underestimate what your child is capable of. And don't underestimate your own strength as a parent. We all know that inside the word disability is the word ability but stop and think about what that really means. To me, it means that your child has a gift, a purpose. Society or your doctors have not primed you to think about it this way, but it is definitely true. As with any parent, part of the task, part of the responsibility and challenge, as it is with ANY child, is to help them find their calling, their purpose in life. How do you do this? By giving them the tools to think, communicate and act, by holding space for them to experiment, grow, learn and fail in a supported environment. It's actually the same thing we ALL need. See, we aren't that different after all!

Any special message for our community?C: One of the most consistent and frustrating aspects of life with a child with a disability, is navigating people who don't know how to act or what to say when they find out or meet your child. This is a matter of education and leading by example. My parents talk openly and unapologetically about me having Down Syndrome, like it's just a fact, just as important as blue shirt on my back. Meaning, it's not that important. You wouldn't talk to me any differently whether I have a blue shirt or a yellow one, right? So don't talk to me or be any different because I have Down Syndrome either.