LIVINGSTON PARISH — An inspirational tale of determination and success is playing out in Livingston Parish. Joseph Brignac, an 8-year-old student with exceptionalities, was awarded the “Yes I Can” award – a prestigious honor bestowed by the Council for Exceptional Children to a student with a disability, who has demonstrated excellence in specific areas such as academics, arts, or advocacy. Brignac will now represent Louisiana at the national level in Baltimore this March at the awards ceremony.
When Brignac was just 18 months old, he suffered a TBI in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. Thanks to DCFS intervention, Brignac found safe and loving arms with his maternal aunt and her husband, who eventually adopted him.
The family’s commitment to Joseph’s healing process has never wavered. Since coming into their care, he has undergone an enormous amount of therapy, including speech, physical, and occupational therapy. Despite his obstacles, Brignac’s academic success has continued to grow.
“There was a time when our goal was just to potty train him. Now, he can read. He’s the best thing that ever happened to me,” said Brignac’s adoptive mother.
The “Yes I Can” award recognizes Joseph’s academic achievements, acknowledging his capability in excelling at school despite his TBI. He won the award on the local level for Livingston Parish back in March and was then nominated into the national competition.
“So often, parents of children with exceptional circumstances are handed a list of things their kids can’t do. This award highlights everything they can do, and that’s so important to celebrate.”
Brignac’s story also brings into focus the importance of foster and adoptive care, as well as the crucial intervention of DCFS in saving the lives of the most vulnerable children. His adoptive family has fostered more than 50 children, adopting Brignac, his biological sister, and another child from DCFS.
“In our kids’ cases, DCFS absolutely saved their lives,” she said.
The family’s trip to Baltimore in March will be particularly special because the timing of the award ceremony coincides with his adoptive mother’s birthday.
“When I told Joseph how excited I was, he said, ‘Well, I guess we both get to celebrate, huh?'”
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