Rob Olszewski

Rob Olszewski, who lives independently with cerebral palsy, is steeped in appreciation for those who helped him make incredible life strides.

Born April 8, 1974, Olszewski was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at just 13 months. Doctors told Rob’s parents that he would never walk or talk.

After his diagnosis, Olszewski began early intervention treatment to help him begin to develop gross motor skills. At age 4, Olszewski began receiving services from the Easter Seals Society of Butler County; today it is known as Lifesteps Early Education Center, an integrated child care and preschool program helping children of all abilities.

Olszewski’s support through Lifesteps was fun and memorable for him — especially his physical and speech therapy.

“I remember ‘The Box.’ I stood in it each day. I still remember today it was green with only two doors,” he said.

The box was designed to help children strengthen undeveloped muscles resulting from a disability.

Rob had been the student technical specialist at Butler County Community College for 10 years. Today, he is a student access supports assistant, providing computer tutoring and disability services.