The Joshua O'Neill and Zeshan Tabani Enrichment Fund| The Joshua O'Neill and Zeshan Tabani Enrichment Fund |
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The Joshua O'Neill and Zeshan Tabani Enrichment Fund
The mission of the Joshua O’Neill and Zeshan Tabani Enrichment Fund is to offer financial assistance to young adults with Down syndrome who wish to continue to enrich their lives by enrolling in postsecondary programs or taking classes. The fund was established in January 2005 by Zeshan Tabani to honor his friend Joshua O’Neill. Joshua is an inspirational young man who happens to have Down syndrome. Joshua and Zeshan grew up in the same neighborhood in
Joshua was fortunate to participate in a postsecondary education experience and he benefited greatly from this opportunity. Joshua now lives independently, with supports, in
As more individuals with Down syndrome are being included K-12 and graduating with their peers, the next step for many young adults with Down syndrome includes pursuing postsecondary education, which may include participation in a postsecondary program or simply taking enrichment courses. Financial aid is rarely available to these individuals.
The Joshua O'Neill and Zeshan Tabani Enrichment Fund seeks to offer financial assistance to young adults with Down syndrome who are 18 years old or older, who wish to continue to participate in postsecondary education programs or enrichment courses to gain employment and other important life skills contributing to their independence. Grants of up to $2,000 are available by completing an extensive application process.
Click here to download the 2010 Joshua O’Neill and Zeshan Tabani Enrichment Fund application.
See the Postsecondary Education Resource List to find organizations and printed materials relating to postsecondatry education.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the deadline for applications?
All applications must be postmarked by July 16, 2010.
When will I find out if I will be awarded the grant?
You will receive an e-mail or letter letting you know if you got the grant at the end of August 2010. Please do not call about your application, as no information will be given over the phone.
If I have autism or another developmental or intellectual disability, can I apply for this grant?
No, currently this grant is only available to individuals with Down syndrome.
Why are you asking for my Social Security number?
If you are awarded the grant, and would like the grant money paid directly to your school, we will need this information to deposit the grant into your student account. This number will not be used for any other purposes, but if you are uncomfortable giving us this information; you do not have to put it on the application. We will ask for the information later if you are awarded the grant and wish to have the money paid to your school.
Who can I ask to write a letter of recommendation for me?
A few examples of people you can ask are teachers, employers, coworkers, or religious leaders. It is preferred that your parents and other relatives (aunts, uncles, grandparents, siblings, cousins, etc.) do not write letters of recommendation for you. However, if you feel that a recommendation by a relative is needed for us to get a better sense of who you are or your accomplishments, you may submit a third recommendation by a relative, in addition to the two letters of recommendation by people who are not relatives. If you submit a letter of recommendation by a relative, you must include two additional letters of recommendation from people not related to you for your application to be considered.
What do I need to include in my application package?
You need to include the following: application; questions about me; something to help us get to know you better; one page essay; parent/guardian information; two (2) letters of recommendation; and your high school transcript or equivalent. All of these materials must be included for your application to be reviewed. If any of these sections are missing, we will be unable to consider your application.
When you ask for me to submit something that helps you get to know me better, what do you mean?
We would like you to submit an item that will give us some more information about you! We are asking for you to submit an item, such as an essay, photograph, painting, drawing, poem, performance, song or video that helps us learn more about you. Be creative! If you send us something electronic such as a video clip or audio file, please be sure it is under 3 minutes in length. If you send a CD or other electronic files with this material, please be sure that it is able to be downloaded to share with the committee. Whatever you send will not be returned, so please make sure you are okay with that before you send us anything.
Will the item I submit to help reviewers get to know me better be returned?
No. All submissions become property of NDSS and will not be returned. Please do not submit items that you will want back!
Can I still apply if I am in high school?
Yes, you can apply for this grant if you are still in high school, as long as you are over 18 years of age.
If I am awarded the grant, how will I receive the grant money?
With proper documentation, NDSS can either send the money to your school or can reimburse you for tuition or other school costs that you paid. You must submit receipts for the tuition, books, materials or other that you would like to be paid by NDSS or reimbursed for. More information about getting the grant money will be sent to you if you are awarded the grant.
Will this grant be awarded again next year?
Yes! The Joshua O’Neill and Zeshan Tabani Enrichment Fund will award grants on a yearly basis.
If I do not receive the grant this year, can I apply next year?
Yes, individuals who apply for the grant and are not chosen are eligible to apply again the following year.
If I received the grant last year, can I reapply this year?
Students who received the grant must wait one year before reapplying. For example, if you received the award in 2009, you would be eligible to reapply in 2011; and if you received the award in 2010, you would be eligible to reapply in 2012. This allows us to give everyone an equal opportunity for support.
Click here to download the 2010 Joshua O’Neill and Zeshan Tabani Enrichment Fund application.
Joshua O’Neill and Zeshan Tabani Enrichment Fund Recipients
2005
Kate Bartlett, from Arlington, MA, is currently exploring career options while she works toward her associate's degree at Middlesex Community College. Kate's future goals include earning a bachelor's degree and working to support herself.
Robert Magill, from Cheyenne, WY, runs his own business called Rob's Forum, where he makes videos, DVDs, video resumes and home movies. He intends to enroll in a computer graphics course at Laramie County Community College to learn additional production skills to improve his business.
Kyle McGonigal, from Kendall, NY, is working toward many goals including earning his Regents diploma and coaching certification. Kyle attends Genesee Community College and hopes to become the coach of a baseball or football team in the future.
Carrie Raabe, from Flagstaff, AZ, works at Northern Arizona University and attends Coconino Community College to mentor youth with disabilities. Carrie is also an accomplished public speaker and she has specific goals for her future, including living in her own apartment, being independent and working to support herself.
Chris Stuhlmann, from New Haven, CT, is an accomplished poet and actor and has participated in many activities that showcase his talents. He plans on attending courses to further his study of poetry and drama, but is also interested in pursuing plant arranging as a potential career.
Philip With, from Albuquerque, NM, is currently the kitchen manager at a local restaurant, but intends to take management classes, so that he can become the manager of the entire store. One of his most important activities is spending time with his fiancée, Emily.
Sara Wolff, from Moscow, PA, works at O'Malley & Langan P.C. Law Offices. Sara will attend a local college to improve her public speaking skills, so that she can speak to large groups of people about the potential of individuals with disabilities and the importance of inclusion.
2006
Aliza “Claire” Bible, from Madison, WI, has many interests including reading, writing poetry, acting and working with children. Claire will be attending the Threshold Program at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, where she hopes to take a class in childcare so that she can work toward her teaching certification. Some of her future goals include living independently and having a successful career.
Christine Billante, from Brentwood, TN, is very active in her community and enjoys participating in various sports though the Special Olympics, advocacy groups and volunteering at her church. Christine intends to enroll in an art appreciation class at Columbia State Community College in Franklin, TN because she would like to learn drawing techniques so that she can enter the VSA Arts contest.
Patricia Moody, from Vero Beach, FL, is interested in a career teaching sign language to both hearing and non-hearing people. Patricia studied American Sign Language for six years and is fluent, and now she is working to be certified. In addition, Patricia likes to perform (signing and singing) and speak publicly about what it is like to be a young adult with Down syndrome. She will be taking courses in sign language and public speaking at Indian River Community College in Fort Pierce, FL.
Angelica Salas from El Paso, TX, has many interests, including law enforcement and cooking. She will be pursuing one of those interests as she takes courses to become a Veterinarian Assistant so that she can work at a zoo, animal shelter or animal hospital. One of Angelica’s goals is to have a good paying job so that she is able to live on her own. She will be attending courses at Eastern New Mexico University in Roswell, NM.
Nannie Sanchez, from Albuquerque, NM, is an accomplished public speaker and powerful self-advocate. Nannie successfully lobbied her legislature to obtain funds to establish a Self-Advocacy Center in New Mexico in 2004, and she has worked to ensure that the Center remained funded in the subsequent two years. Nannie is seeking a career change and would like to study Digital Photography and Filmmaking. She will be studying these topics through Continuing Education courses at the University of New Mexico - Albuquerque.
2007
Dylan Kuehl, South Puget Sound Community College
Craig Kinney, Bristol Community College Jennifer McKeown, Mercer County Community College John W. McCormack, Mercer County Community College Brandon B. Smith, Edgewood College 2009
Seth Dannheim, Eastern New Mexico University - Roswell
William Sunday Trampus Hoover, Coastal Carolina University Craig Kinney, Bristol Community College Valoree Lisi, Culinary Training Institute Derek Taft, Edgewood College Erin Thompson, George Mason University - LIFE Program Interviews with Past Joshua O’Neill and Zeshan Tabani Enrichment Fund Recipients
Kate Bartlett
What classes did you take?
Last fall I took computer essentials class, and I took a 6 credit English Class. I also took an intro to College Reading. I liked them a lot. I am working towards getting my associates degree.
What was your favorite class?
My favorite class was Voice class and Photography class, because I love to sing, and I learned a lot. I took a photography class before in 9th grade. I loved my professors, they help you when you need it. Marylyn Black was my favorite professor, she helped me through things. She taught Fundamentals of English and Intro to College Reading.
Did taking these courses help you decide on a future career or future classes to take?
I really like fashion [and I] hope to take a class in that in the future. I am also hoping to take a musical theatre class, because I love to sing. I was in “Tommy” at a community theatre in
What did getting this scholarship mean to you?
Getting this scholarship meant a lot and I was very honored to receive it. I know many others applied for it, and I felt special that I got it.
You testified in front of Congress on behalf of NDSS at a Hearing on Oversight of Federal Employment Programs for Persons with Disabilities. What was that like?
Speaking in front of the Senate was great! I was a bit nervous; there were hundreds of people there. I spent time with two senators: Kennedy and Enzy of Wyoming. I liked it because I blew them away, because I have DS and I showed them I have a normal life. They gave me a standing ovation. I like speaking in front of large groups.
On receiving the NDSS Voices Award and visiting
I walked around with my mom and dad. I really liked NYC. Tavern on the Green was great –it took my breath away. I was very honored to receive the award. It was nice to meet the people from NDSS. We took the train and that was nice.
Rob Magill
Rob took a one on one class with Jared, a film student, and learned about special effects and different shots.
Did you like working with Jared?
Yes I did, we had a good time together. Once a week we worked and and we had a great time.
What was your favorite special effect you learned? How does it work?
Blow up the box was my favorite. I show the video we made to people in
What interested you to work with film/videos?
I love it and I started my business, Rob’s Forum, with my mom. My mom and Tom all help me with film, too.
Tell us more about your business, Rob’s Forum.
My business is Rob’s Forum. I work with Video, DVD, home movies, transfer stuff from the CD to the DVD, and home movies. I have been working there for five years.
Have you been able to use the special effects and editing techniques you learned with Jared in your business, Rob’s Forum?
I have made three video resumes. They take 45 minutes each to film and many more hours to edit.
Do you want to learn more about filmmaking? With Jared?
I would like to work with Jared again and I would like to learn more. Jared graduated from college and is going to
What’s your favorite movie? Why?
Star Wars is my favorite movie. It is all about special effects and I like that. I also like Independence Day and Rambo because they cool special effects, too.
What did getting this scholarship mean to you?
It is great, I like it. I have very good inner confidence because of it.
Kyle McGonigal
Hi! My name is Kyle McGonigal and I am 23 years old. I live in
With the grant money, I took three classes at Genesee Community College (GCC) in the fall of 2005. The classes I took were Public Speaking, Healthful Living, and Responding to Emergencies. My favorite class was Healthful Living—we made a family tree and it was fun since I found out about my relatives. I got to look at old pictures that went way back. I enjoyed my professor, Peg Sisson; she helped me learn about my health and how to eat right. I also made good friends at GCC. A dozen of them were friends from my high school. I became friends with the person who helped me take notes and we ate lunch together after class. We mostly talked about sports. I was also good friends with the lunch ladies. I always ate a ham sandwich and they remembered my order. These classes were important because the credits counted toward my Coaching Certificate.
In the spring of 2006, I did an internship for credit, which completed my certificate requirements. For my internship, I worked with the baseball team at
I would like to take more classes in the future. I would like to take Sign Language, or art and pottery for fun. My dream job would be to work with the Atlanta Braves and be in the dugout. But for now, I have plenty to keep me busy. In the summer I have a part time job working in the Rec. room of the Buffalo Bills training camp. I am also working at the Baseball Hall of Fame in
Getting chosen as a recipient of the Joshua O’Neill and Zeshan Tabani Enrichment Fund was great and means that there is someone who believes in me to achieve my goals besides my mom and dad. The scholarship helped me to get everything I need at college.
Carrie Raabe
What class did you take last spring?
I took a Speech 100 class and took it for credit and got an A-, which is pretty good. I loved the class. I even made the effort of studying which I did well. I took the class was because I wanted to enhance my vocabulary when I public speak in different places. I learned is to speak clearing and not look down at your speech as often and look at your audience more.
Do you think you got better at public speaking?
Yes, I know I did.
Do you think this class has helped you do it better?
Yes, actually it helped a lot and I am up to that challenge.
What kinds of public speaking have you done in the past (speaking in front of large organizations, etc)?
I have been doing that already and I do awesome. I do not get nervous at all. I have talking to the US Department of Education,
Do you hope to speak more often in public?
Yes, I do and it makes others realize how important that I touch their lives.
Did you like your teacher and the other classmates?
Yes I did like the teacher. He would either have on a tie or jean’s for casual day and my classmates were pretty nice.
Did you make any new friends?
I try making new friends but it is not easy to do even though I have just a few friends here in Flag(staff). Some of them went to college and some passed away so the friend I have now is in Boise Idaho and going to the Philippines for 6 months and coming back home.
If you do, how did you become friends with them:
Well that question is pretty hard to answer but I will try my best to answer. I think what you are saying is when you were in school did you make friends, my answer is yes I did make friends but not until sophomore year in high school.
Which class did you take this past fall?
American Sign Language. I took this class because I wanted to see what the difference between spoken English is and what being deaf is like. I learned how to use facial expression, making eye contact and learning what they are saying.
Do you have any friends that you can practice your sign language skills with?
No, I want somebody from my work at IHD (
Did you have to speak in front of the class? Were you nervous?
We did have to do a story in sign language and it was hard to do. Yes I was a little, but I got over it.
Do you want to take more classes about sign language in the future?
No not really. It would be too hard to study and work at IHD. I’m taking a break from taking classes right now. I need to focus on my work at IHD. When I did take classes I would study at work thinking that it would work out, but it did not. It is not healthy to do that.
Do you hope to have a job someday using sign language?
Well I do have a job, but they don’t use sign language with me at all. I wish they did on a regular basis.
What did getting this scholarship mean to you?
Well, I liked being on the college campus with students my age. Getting the scholarship got me through 2 semesters of school and helped me get the books I needed for those classes. I feel as if you guys helped me get on my way in college. I now have college credits and know I can do it.
Phil With
I took three classes: Keyboarding, Beginning Computer PC, and How to Become a Self-Advocate. I took computer classes for work, I work at a
In my Self-Advocate class they teach us how to work in the community; how to get transportation, and learn basic skills. In my Beginning Computer PC class, I used what I learn like how to move files, work in windows, and how to turn it off and on. I want to take more classes, like the PowerPoint presentation class and I want to retake the Keyboarding class so I get better. I really enjoyed my Professor, Susan Copeland, she is a great, great teacher. In the class I really tried to stay focused on the learning.
I was really happy to get the scholarship, and thank you for giving money for the Scholarship and thank you for letting me have it.
Sara Wolff
I took two classes, Interpersonal Communications (in the fall) and Intro to Theater (in the Spring). In my Theater class we acted out different situations in front of class. In this class we critiqued other plays and movies. For our final project we did a monologue; I chose to do Grade B from “Our Town”. My favorite part was interacting with students in class- we helped each other to learn our monologues. I would like to take more theater classes in the future, and maybe want to be in a play. My Interpersonal Communications class helped a lot with speaking, helped communication with the audience, and to speak clearly with confidence. I also like to interact with new people like, I changed their attitude and they were surprised that I worked really hard.
I am still working at the law firm –and I have been able to be more confident when I guide clients to the attorneys because of the class I took. I would love to stay where I am at work; I like the schedule and meeting new people and the relationships I have there. Part of my goals is to do more speaking engagements and I love to volunteer in hospitals and nursing homes. I am also a lectern at my church.
Getting this scholarship meant a lot financially. I can now save money precisely to take classes in the fall. I think that there should be more help for future education for people with Down syndrome. It was a great honor to receive this scholarship.
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