A Story
Awareness is not acceptance.
Awareness is not acceptance.
On December 18th, 2013, I signed the closing papers for my new house. It has taken me a long time to be able to afford to purchase a home and the experience has been exhausting, yet wonderful.
I think some of the most important lessons learned will be the ones that I learned from Tony; how he grew and how he helped my son grow as well. He’s never met my son, but maybe one day they will meet. My son and I are very grateful for the lessons he taught him through me.
It took a lot of work to get to where I am today but because I was able to self-advocate and take some risks, I now have a career and a life of my own.
But I hope that we don’t cheat ourselves out of the opportunity this field gives us to become more human. It must never be said that people with disabilities do not contribute to society. Indeed, the people I know have taught me very well.
Through service learning projects, young individuals from kindergarten to college use what they learn in the classroom to solve real life problems. This also allows them use practical applications to become actively contributing citizens and community members through the service that they perform.
The following excerpt is from “Navigating College: A Handbook on Self-Advocacy Written for Autistic Students from Autistic Adults.” This handbook, produced by the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network and the Autism NOW Center, offers tips and suggestions about various issues that people with autism and other developmental disabilities may encounter in college.
Mari Nosal demonstrates her pride as a parent by sharing 10 ways that others can effectively support and interact with individuals with autism and their families.
As self-advocates and family-advocates what does independence mean to you?
This article is intended to inform you of what identity theft is, precautions you may take to prevent it and what to do if it happens to you. These recommendations can help you maintain your independence.