Jared Peters of Walker has received the 2026 Yes I Can Award for Advocacy from the Council for Exceptional Children.
The Yes I Can Awards celebrate the achievements of children and youth with exceptionalities while raising public awareness of the abilities and aspirations of students with disabilities.
Jared is on the autism spectrum and lives with sensory processing disorder. He has not only overcome personal challenges but has also become a voice for himself and others. From an early age, Jared showed a passion for learning, reading by age two, and demonstrating remarkable memory and analytical skills. Along his academic journey, he navigated challenges related to diagnosed differences that affected sensory and social communication. Through determination and growth, he developed strong self-regulation, emotional awareness, and coping skills that laid the foundation for his success.
Today, Jared is thriving academically, socially, and emotionally. He is fully engaged in the classroom, builds meaningful friendships, and interacts with educators and peers with responsibility and respect. Known for his strong interpersonal communication, Jared confidently advocates for his needs, allowing him to remain focused on learning while contributing positively to his school community.
Jared is a thoughtful, active participant in his IEP meetings and communicates openly with teachers, helping foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment. "Jared's growth in self-awareness and communication has empowered him to take charge of his learning," his nominator said. "He has become more independent, confident, and resilient. His sincerity, honesty, and unique perspective make him an outstanding and inspiring individual."
Jared and his family wish to thank the educators, administrators, paraprofessionals, and specialists from Livingston Parish Public Schools, including North Live Oak Elementary, Live Oak Middle, Livingston Virtual, and Live Oak High School, as well as The Emerge Center of Baton Rouge and Launch Therapy Center of Denham Springs.
The Yes I Can Awards are sponsored by Einstein Advocates.
