When Hector was born 32 years ago, there were few care options for people with developmental disabilities and little support for their families."We didn't know where to go," his mother says now. "No one ever made us aware of the help that might be available. We did everything on our own."

Hector was the youngest of four children. By the time he was three, his parents knew he was mentally challenged. When it came time for him to start school, his only option in St. Paul was to go to New Hope, a segregated school for mentally challenged children.

But Hector's parents wanted their son to be educated in a regular classroom setting, so they moved the entire family to Edmonton. There, Hector attended a regular school with a special education class. He enjoyed his studies and graduated from Austin O'Brien High School in 1988.

Shortly after graduation, Hector became ill with a muscular disease.He was often tired and could no longer lift heavy equipment, so he was forced to quit his full-time job at Crosstown Motors. At this time, his parents moved back to St. Paul, but Hector decided to stay in Edmonton.After four months of independent living, however, it became clear that Hector could not live on his own.

Hector returned to St. Paul, but he didn't want to live at home anymore. He was 27 and wanted greater independence. Someone suggested that his mother contact the St. Paul Abilities Network (SPAN). With their assistance, Hector applied for and received AISH. Hector also moved into a residence to learn living skills such as doing laundry, keeping his apartment clean, and budgeting. A year and a half later, he "graduated" from the program. Since 1999, Hector has been living in his own apartment with the help of an aid who visits him regularly.

Hector has had many challenges in his life, but his greatest source of inspiration came from his sister Doris who, at age 27, went blind. Despite losing her sight, she went back to school. Nothing stopped her from pursuing her dreams. Hector learned from his sister's courage. "If she can do it,I can too!" became his motto. When Doris died seven years later, Hector lost his closest friend. But he still remembers her courage and tries to apply it to his own life.

Hector has high ambitions for his future. This fall, he will be upgrading his education at Portage College. Later, he hopes to study in the Fishand Wildlife Program at Grant MacEwan or Vermilion College. He is currently employed at Weasels Confectionery and Laundromat in St. Paul where he works as a janitor.

If you have participated in any PDD event in St. Paul in the last five years, then you likely know Hector. He attends Community Council meetings regularly and often participates in the workshops offered. He's also busy in his community. The 32-year-old coaches baseball and floor hockey and referees hockey for the Special Olympics.

Hector's willing to try anything, and he's outspoken about everything.There can be little doubt that he'll apply his great energy to any task he takes on.