Franny's Story

A sense of warmth and community fill the air at Harc as soon as the doors open. The staff greets visitors with friendly smiles, but it is individuals like Franny who truly capture everyone’s attention. Francis Janisse, also known as Franny, sits confidently in her motorized wheelchair, surrounded by a vibrant display of colorful artwork. It immediately becomes clear that Franny is more than just a participant at Harc–she was the heartbeat of the room, a young woman who radiates resilience and determination. To those who know her at Harc, she’s more than just someone with a disability—she’s a friend, a hard worker, and a source of inspiration.

Carolyn Chandler, a job coach at Harc, sees Franny’s potential every day. “Franny is no different in my eyes,” Carolyn says. “She just has a disability and sometimes struggles to show people that she’s capable. But she’s always proving herself.”

For Franny, Harc is a place of connection and opportunity. Using her adaptive iPad, which she controls with her right foot, Franny communicates her needs, expresses her humor, and connects with those around her. Her iPad has become her voice, helping her share her world with her family and friends.
Carolyn recalls how she and Franny quickly bonded. “Maybe she saw that I was someone who would advocate for her,” Carolyn reflects. Franny has always embraced challenges, whether it’s throwing away trash, painting, or pressing elevator buttons—tasks that give her a sense of pride and independence. “There’s nothing Franny can’t really do. She’s always trying to prove, ‘I can do it,’” Carolyn says, her voice filled with pride.

Franny’s mother, Nancy, shares a similar sentiment. As a devoted mother, Nancy acknowledges the challenges and rewards of raising a daughter with special needs. “Sometimes it’s tiring, but it’s a mother’s duty, and I always try to give my all for her,” Nancy says. Despite Franny’s challenges, Nancy treats her “like a normal girl,” believing that Franny deserves the same opportunities and experiences as any other young woman.

One remarkable aspect of Franny’s life is that she is bilingual. She communicates in English with Carolyn and the staff at Harc, and in Spanish with her mom.

Carolyn admits that talking about Franny brings her to tears. “Every time I talk about her, I try not to cry, but the tears flow because I know who Franny really is,” Carolyn says, her admiration evident.
Franny’s courage extends beyond her day-to-day activities at Harc. Recently, she joined a group from Harc at the Connecticut State Capitol to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. This visit was a significant moment, where Franny, equipped with her iPad, stood alongside other advocates to share her story and push for greater support and inclusion. Alongside her on that day was none other than Carolyn. Her presence at the Capitol was a powerful reminder of her determination to break down barriers—not just for herself, but for others like her. Franny’s advocacy is yet another testament to her spirit, proving that she’s not just capable, but also a leader and a voice for change.

Franny’s courage and persistence are common threads shared among the many individuals empowered through Harc’s programs and services, exemplifying that people with disabilities are capable of amazing things.