My name is Taylor. I am 26 years old. I try to work hard in the community. I am an open book. I am honest, supportive, and I have lots of friends, families, and mentors who support me. I like to write, play video games, learn about technology and the world. As a child, I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Today, the diagnosis is part of the Autism Spectrum.
Employers are looking for more than a college education when looking for employees, today. Having experiences or connections are needed when trying to find employment. My volunteerism helped shape who I am and my ability to get a job. I am a self -advocacy coordinator for USM Institute for Disabilities Studies. I get to help with programs and grants, work on videos such as Technology with Dan, Relentless, EM’s Movie Picks, IDS Reacts, and finally, my baby, Chit-Chat Thursdays with Taylor. Recently, I accepted the 2019 ADA Video award on behalf of myself and my colleagues, Dan, and Emily. I feel blessed with this job. Employment has helped me a lot with contributing to society. I earn my wages so I can pay for necessities. I am thankful that I work with a great group of individuals.
Besides accomplishing my goals of finding employment, developing friendships, and giving back to the community through volunteerism, and receiving my driver’s license, I am about to embark on a new journey of living in my own apartment.
I would like to tell young people with disabilities that a disability is an ability.
Keep trying!
This Spring (2020) I have a rare opportunity as a self-advocate to travel to Africa with another self-advocate and USM IDS Co-director, Dr. Jerry Alliston. We will be working with other self-advocates from Africa, educating and strengthening their efforts to promote inclusion and advocacy in their area.
I would like to tell young people with disabilities that a disability is an ability. Keep trying! Don’t think that not finding a job is because of your disability. Seek opportunities for volunteerism and community service. These are also ways to find employment while giving back to your community.
I think that there are ways our local and state governments can help people with disabilities to find employment. We need our government including senators and legislators to stop looking away from us and work with us. We need to come together to help those with and without disabilities to find meaningful employment. People with disabilities comprise the largest minority group in our country. When given the right opportunities, we positively contribute to society educationally, financially, and socially.