My name is Dan Lewis. I like to research on the computer, play video games, and watch T.V. I live with my parents and youngest sister. I enjoy playing video games, watching movies and hanging out with family and friends. I also enjoy using my computer to research subjects that are of interest to me.
As a child, I suffered with an inability to sequence speech sounds and had an expressive and receptive language disorder. Later, I would be diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, which is on the autism spectrum. I graduated high school with an Occupational Diploma and have taken some college level classes. Finding a place to work after high school was very difficult. I had not received any training that really helped which is saying a lot since I graduated with an Occupational Diploma from one of the best school districts in Mississippi. Full inclusion opportunities were difficult. I encountered resistance in taking regular classes, which I passed, and special education classes at the same time. Some of my special education classes lacked the accountability that my regular education classes had. I think all subject areas, whether they are regular education or special education should be held accountable for subject matter.
Participating in volunteer experiences thru Americorps, TRIAD, and STEP-UP COUNCIL helped me to do the work that I do. It was through these experiences that I learned to work well with others and had opportunities to be a leader. These groups helped me to become a better self-advocate. I have learned to do things that are difficult for me, such as speaking in public. I have presented at several events. Recently, I worked on a video project with colleagues, Taylor and Emily, for which we won the 2019 ADA Video Award.
I am currently employed part time at USM Institute for Disability Studies as a technology support staff. Mr. Rich Baker has been my mentor for years. I do closed captioning for people who have a hard time hearing and/or are deaf. I am also a game moderator. I test out video games and write reports on them and I keep track of people participating in the video games. I also do stream labs.
My advice to young people seeking employment is to become involved with volunteer organizations that put you out in the community.
I feel great about my job. I enjoy the responsibility and I especially like getting paid. My advice to young people seeking employment is to become involved with volunteer organizations that put you out in the community. I volunteered for several years learning about closed captioning, streaming and other stuff before I became employable. It would be best if you do not give up.
I wish there were more opportunities for people with disabilities during and after high school to be involved in the community and with future employers. Finding a real job is hard especially if you have a disability. Most people with disabilities become very loyal employees like me. Perhaps our legislators could help with making sure people with disabilities are prepared to enter the work force after high school. I also think that people who work with those who have developmental delays or neurodevelopment impairment would greatly benefit from having access to someone with a special education background. Sometimes, in an effort to promote full inclusion, people forget that some individuals are different; they learn differently and may also be confused about social/professional relationships.