Caleb Dunlap (GHS ’14) steps out of his Portland apartment and has the bustling city at his feet. Now, able to navigate the hectic city transportation system with ease, Caleb waits for a bus that will take him to his job at St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation Center — a job he has held for seven years.

When Caleb isn’t working at the nursing home, he can be found with a camera draped around his neck, capturing unique photos around the city. He discovered a passion for photography in middle school. A few years ago, Caleb turned that passion into a small photography business called Good Eye Photography.

In the Home section on his website, goodeyemaine.com, it reads: “My name is Caleb Dunlap and I own Good Eye Photography. I have Down Syndrome. I love taking photos. I see things differently than other people. I hope my photographs will help you see something new.”

Now, 26, Caleb not only works and has his own successful business, but he also advocates for others with disabilities. Through the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program at the University of New England, Caleb has worked as a self-advocate to educate others about the needs of people with disabilities.

It was through LEND that Caleb had the opportunity to speak with Senator Susan Collins about the need for laws that provide good work opportunities with competitive pay for those who fall under the neurodiverse umbrella.

Many programs Caleb has participated in, and experiences he’s had, gave him a strong foundation that can be seen by his success. Programs like PATHS, offered through Gorham High School (GHS), where Caleb took food service classes and the Vocational Rehabilitation (Voc Rehab) program offered to juniors and seniors with disabilities gave Caleb work skills and job opportunities. He has built upon these skills that have paved the way for independent living.

Voc Rehab’s mission is to provide “support and treatment for individuals living with a range of disabilities that will assist them in realizing their vision of a full and meaningful life.” All these opportunities, along with family and friends who wanted to see Caleb live his very best life, guided him to his next life-changing experience — college.

Caleb graduated from Strive U in Portland, in 2017. Strive U is a comprehensive, on-campus program directed at teaching its students necessary skills to live independently in the community. After graduation, he moved into his own apartment in Portland, where he and his cat, Sweetie, currently live.

It has been a journey for Caleb. His mother, Debra Dunlap said, “He has had to navigate some hard things and has done it with flying colors.”

May Caleb’s story be one that allows other families on this journey to be inspired, and know that it isn’t too much to dream of a life well-lived.