LAUDERHILL, FL- April 26th, 2021, was declared JULIANNA CALDERON DAY.
That evening JULIANNA CALDERON was given a Proclamation from the City of Lauderhill by Commissioner Ray Martin. She was selected as Poster Model for the Lauderhill Police Department Autism Awareness
Program and was proclaimed as the First Non-Verbal Autistic Model in Broward County, Florida by current Commissioner and Florida Congressional Candidate Dale Holeness.
In attendance was Com-missioner Karlene Maxwell-Williams of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, the first City official to endorse Julianna.
A heart-breaking
diagnosis….
Born on October 5th, 1998, 7lbs, 5oz, seeming a perfectly beautiful baby, soon signs of delay began to appear around age 2. Before JULIANNA’S third birthday, her parents decided that she would see a Cardiologist for a mild heart murmur, a Neurologist for her inability to walk or talk and an Orthopedic Surgeon for a skeletal evaluation. That year, Julianna received a diagnosis of Congenital Heart Deformation, crippling, aggressive Scoliosis, and it was determined that she had Non-Verbal Autism with Cerebral Palsy combined with ADD. (Attention Deficit Disorder).
A mother’s love and determination…
In 2004, overwhelmed with the diagnosis and no time for delay, mom set forth with a plan of action for her disabled daughter. Later that year, her mother, Connie Moss, a military veteran, enrolled in school to become a Licensed Massage Therapist. As a very concerned mother, she shared her daughter’s disability with the instructors at school. She paid attention and followed detailed instructions to perform muscle memory therapy, acupressure therapy, hot/cold nerve treatments and stretching exercises on her daughter’s limbs 30 minutes each twice a day. A year later, Julianna was 5 years old and walking!
Growing up disabled….
Julianna survived corrective heart surgery (age 8) and corrective Spinal Surgery age (10). Now walking, she never complained about the (2) 12- inch titanium rods permanently implanted in her spine.
She was healing and happy and was now headed to speech therapy 3 times a week for the next several years. Over the years, personal independence and comprehension improved; although Julianna still struggled with symptoms associated with ADD.
By graduation in June of 2019, from Boyd Anderson High School, Julianna became more focused and expressed greater interest in her appearance. She enjoyed getting dressed to go out, enjoyed doing her hair, shopping for clothes, applying makeup and wanted to wear fancy high heeled shoes!
Mom kept a smile on her face, but the thoughts of her daughter’s future weighed heavily on her heart. Years passed, and her mother’s nightly prayer remained the same:
Dear God,
Thank you for my daughter. I’m doing my best. How do I prepare for her future?
God, she does not talk, she does not count or read. She is overly friendly and does not understand “Stranger/Danger”. She has no sense of time and no interest in the value of money.
Please God, show me the path”
There is always hope…
On Tuesday, October 5, 2020, Julianna turned 21; a full day of activity was planned for the Birthday Girl. The day started with breakfast, then shopping, hair & nails done, lunch, and a professional photo shoot.
A rock-climbing birthday party with family and friends followed that weekend. A week later, the birthday pictures were received. The questions, doubts and concerns for Julianna’s future disappeared.
The pictures were beautiful. Suddenly, her mother’s worried heart was calm and filled with joy!
That was it. Prayers answered. At that moment it was crystal clear. Julianna IS beautiful, she can be a model. With her mother by her side, Julianna is making a difference. She has become a Poster Model of hope and inspiration for parents of special need individuals. Off the runway, Julianna spends her time dancing, listening to music, learning on the computer, spa dates with mom, shopping with friends, and attending networking events.
Last April 2021, in Recognition of Autism Awareness Month, the Autism Society of Florida interviewed and featured Julianna Calderon, The Non-Verbal Autistic Model in their virtual conference entitled
NO LIMITS. The conference featured a video highlighting adult with autism. This film can be viewed online, for a $35 donation to the Autism Society of Florida.
Julianna is currently under management with Real World Models, Inc. The first Non-Profit Organization that promotes the artistic talents of individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Individuals are scouted and interviewed for talent in the areas of modeling, music and art. To read more about Julianna; her awards and accomplishments, please visit:
Selection will be OCTOBER 1-3, 2021. Once selected, a contract of commitment is required. Compensation will be discussed after selection.
Mission Statement: Our mission is to support and promote highly talented young adults with special needs. We strive to support inclusion in business and community organizations while bringing recognition to their skills and talents.
REQUESTED BYCOMMISSIONER DALE V.C. HOLNESS BROWARD COUNTY
WHEREAS, Autism Awareness Month provides an opportunity for families, friends, and local communities to raise public awareness about autism and funding for research; and
WHEREAS, autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control, affects 1 in 54 children in the United States and is the fastest growing developmental disability regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic background; and
WHEREAS, there are over 6,400 students in Broward County Public Schools with autism spectrum disorder; and
WHEREAS, children and adults with autism tend to have difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction, and leisure or play activities; and
WHEREAS, agencies are working to protect the rights of all people with disabilities – including people with autism – while also advancing equity when it comes to accessing vital services and support systems; and
WHEREAS, the Broward County Commission supports quality community programs that emphasize communication, socialization, education, and employment opportunities; and
WHEREAS, an active autism awareness program will help identify and increase safe interaction with the special needs population. The Broward County Inclusion Award presented by Real World Models, Inc. will be given to businesses, work centers, or organizations that have welcomed individuals with autism or special needs; and
WHEREAS, Real World Models, Inc, founded by Connie Moss, has become a beacon of hope and encouragement for parents. It is the first not-for-profit organization in Broward County designed to focus on autistic talented young adults from age 14 to 25 to be a national resource for autistic individuals with talent and modeling abilities. Their mission is to support highly talented young adults with special needs and create inclusion in business and community organizations while bringing recognition to their skills and talents; and
WHEREAS, Julianna Calderon is Broward County’s first autistic fashion model. In 2005, she was formally diagnosed as autistic, non-verbal with cerebral palsy. Julianna started walking at age 4 and at age 22 is still in speech therapy. Even though, she has 2- 12″ titanium rods implanted in her spine. She continues to make amazing strides in her physical abilities; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA:
That the Board hereby designates, April 2021, as “AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH” and Tuesday, April 26, 2021, as “JULIANNA CALDERON DAY” in Broward County, Florida.
