I entered PathPoint in 1991 and met good people that taught me the skills I would need to live, work and do things in Santa Barbara. For fun I like karaoke and Special Olympics. I like to travel and have gone on trips to England, Mexico, and Alaska. I have a girlfriend who I’ve known since the 80’s. I like having my own apartment. It’s in a quiet area close to downtown and my work.  I am comfortable around people and not shy like I used to be. I am proud that I have learned to be efficient at my job and I feel good when I work hard. I am a Mobility Aid in PathPoint’s Community Access Program, a day program for people who have significant challenges. I help them learn independence skills. I help them work on their goals, assist with activities, read to them and help them eat their lunch. We go to places around town and meet people. I see myself as their eyes and ears because they can’t go out on their own. I point out things to see tell them about things I do in my life that they don’t know about and that makes them smile. I dream that their voices will be heard and someday they will live in a place like mine.

--Ramon Hooper