Inclusion and more

Phoenix, Arizona is the most Autism Friendly city in Arizona for many reasons.  Organizations like like the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC)  help decrease stereotypes that come with autism. SARRC offers programs for families like JumpStart, kids like the Community School, Teens like CommunityWorks and employment and adults like employment services.  I have participated in SARRC's programs for year and they have changed my life by allowing me to make friends and allowing me to develop professional relationships with staff members. I can go by either SARRC's 16th Street campus at anytime and staff say hi to me.  For many families Autism is something they don't know how to embrace. SARRC has two campuses in Phoenix that help families navigate the new "autism" diagnosis. SARRC trains staff members through professional development meetings and conferences and supervision meetings.  The First Place Transition Academy is run ...

Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA) is all about inclusion.  The Executive Director Tim Ogle is the cousin of Denise Resnik, who founded the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center.  So it made sense that ASBA came the 2017 SARRC Community Breakfast.  After I spoke they committed to hiring an adult with autism.  After that I sent them my resume and got hired. My first day of work I had some nerves as it was a  new job and new co-workers. One of my supervisors got right to work introducing me to my co-workers.  It took an adjustment period for me to adjust to the company culture. Ultimately I have developed appropriate work relationships with my co-workers. We talk about life, pets and past jobs.  ASBA co-workers: Kristi, Katie and Lindsey (Photo credit: Fiona Falbo, SARRC) This past week I was reminded numerous times how committed that ASBA is committed to making the partnership work and making inclusion possible. ...

I have autism and it makes me have a hard time dealign wth change, appropriately interact with people and accept criticism. For people with autism finding integrated employment is a challenge as many employers fail to the see the potential of working with an adult with autism. For almost two years I worked at Christ Lutheran School as a teacher aide in a preschool class. I grew up going to Christ Lutheran School events like family fun night, 8th grade graduation ceremonies and Teacher Appreciation lunches that my mom organized.  As a CLS employee, I felt included in the culture and developed close relationships with my co-workers.  I received feedback from my supervisor and often worked on improving interaction with the preschool students.   I would comment the kids and they would often times talk to me. After an amazing two year tenure at Christ Lutheran School, I begun to look for other jobs. I knew I wanted to work in an office setting for a small company.  My...

2017 was filled with many many highlights 1. Speaking at the SARRC breakfast I spoke at the 2017 SARRC Community Breakfast about my journey with autism. I gottwo job offers from different schools.  My then current employer Christ Luheran School's assistant principal Lisa Rogers was there to hear me speak as she knew Dr. Danny Openden, SARRC's president.  Also Omni Bioceutical Innovations team was there! It turns out that my now current employer AZ School Boards Association was in attendance too.  These days it's December 9, 2017 and people still talk about my speech which was in April of last year. I need bodyguards in the community. Lol!!  2. Starting my new job at AZ School Boards Association Like I said above my new employer AZ School Boards Association was at the SARRC Community Breakfast at the AZ Biltmore hotel's Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom! A few after I inter viewed with ASBA and got the job.  This job was meant to be. Every one is so fun to be ...