When James Fagan and Nancy Fusco, two individuals supported by ADAPT, met at Flushing Adult Day Program, they were an inseparable pair. For a long time, both members of the happy couple expressed their wishes to be married. The staff of Vandalia ICF, Ardsley ICF/IRA, and Flushing Adult Day Program decided to team up to bring James and Nancy’s dream to life.
Last year, James proposed to Nancy by asking the big question in Ms. Lydia’s class. Then began the wedding planning. Vandalia, Ardsley, and Flushing staff all pitched in to make their dream commitment ceremony. Though the couple is not legally married, the wedding was an important symbolic occasion. Ardsley staff purchased their wedding bands, which the couple would wear on necklaces, and Flushing staff bought the food and decorated the venue.
The extravagant decorations included a red carpet for the couple to travel on, blue and white balloons, and white bouquets. Nancy donned a beautiful gown and veil, and both she and James couldn’t stop smiling as they were led down the aisle. The audience was packed with staff and friends of the couple from Flushing Day Program.
The reception, held in the Flushing multipurpose room, was full of music, food, and a beautiful wedding cake. It was a day James, Nancy, and all their friends at Flushing will never forget.
“I’ve been enjoying [married life],” James said. “I am happy I got married and I’m gonna stay married.”
ADAPT Community Network aims to give the individuals we support the fullest lives possible. Sometimes that means helping them find employment, pursue their hobbies and interests, or even get married. If you are interested in one or more of ADAPT’s programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, please contact Project Connect at projectconnect@adaptcommunitynetwork.org or 877-827-2666.
