Inclusion and more

Today marked the 12th Annual Autism Speaks walk, in partnership with SARRC, and the walk over 4,000 people in attendance. There was a resource fair that consisted of resources like Positive ABA, SARRC and Hope Group.  As my friends and I were dropped off at Tempe Beach Park by SARRC staff we were beyond excited. For me today marked an exciting day, a two month journey of raising over $1,000 for SARRC. This was a tough decision for me as I wasn't sure whether I wanted to fundraise for SARRC or Best Buddies, two organizations I hold close to my heart. Ultimately, I chose SARRC as I have been impacted by their programs for many years and SARRC is current in their program research, programs and staff development programs. Over the past month and a half, I have been busy fundraising for the Autism Walk through sending out a personal donation letter I wrote to family and friends and posting my personal page on my Facebook page.  Ultimately I nett...

Even though October is almost over which means National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2017 is almost in the books, here are some tips for adults with autism and other disabilities for looking for jobs   1. Begin by thinking of your abilities and how they can fit employment Everyone with a disability has their own skills and abilities. My abilities are using computers, using Microsoft Excel to make databases and interacting with people when appropriate to name a few.  My skills include: being driven to complete a task at work until it is done (in other words, nothing is left unfinished unless I really need an extension),  being determined to persevere through the hard times and celebrating others accomplishments. When you list your skills and abilities, think about how they can tie in to possible employment. I have always seen myself working in an office setting but did not know how to navigate a career switch.  2. Explore jo...

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, or NDEAM for short.  For several years, one of my biggest passions has been helping individuals with disabilities find employment and understanding why underemployment is so high amongst people with disabilities.  Organizations like the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center and Best Buddies both aim to place individuals with disabilities like autism in competitive employment opportunities through employment programs. Best Buddies offers a Jobs program and SARRC offers an employment services program .  Both programs offer some of the same services: Job coaching  Interview practice and preparation  Helping employee with disability fill out new employee paperwork  Employer support (helping the employer find tax credits for hiring adults with disabilities etc)  To view videos of SARRC and Best Buddies' employment programs in action, check out these links SARRC Employment...

The final countdown has begun. There are only 21 days until the 2017 Walk now Autism Speaks, in partnership with SARRC. Why SARRC I have been a participant in SARRC's programs for years now. I remember my first day I participated in programs offered by SARRC like it was yesterday.  I participated in Autism CommunityWorks at the Civic Center Library.  I was nervous, scared and shy.  I instantly made new friends and connected with the sARRC clinicians in charge of the program.  For several years, my dad and I dined at Outback Steakhouse. One year we met Matt McMahon and thanked him for supporting SARRC through hosting fundraisers at his restaurants and hiring SARRC clients. Ironically, we had been talking about SARRC before Matt approached my dad and I.  As I prepared for adulthood, I wondered what would be next. My parents heard about the First Place Transition Academy, operated by SARRC.  I was exci...