Community Employment For People With ASD!

On Thursday, May 27, 2010, I graduated from the Cuyahoga East Vocational Educational Consortium (CEVEC).I was one of the four graduation speakers. I chose to be a graduation speaker because I want and need to significantly improve my verbal and public speaking skills. I like to challenge myself (with exceptions, of course) to do tasks that are difficult; this leads to personal growth and development.

During graduation, Mr. Robert Ross, the Principal of CEVEC called all the graduate’s names' to receive their certificate of completion, and he also announced where each and every graduate will be working, volunteering, whether or not they had "perfect attendance," and, if applicable, what college they will be attending.

Note: Mr. Ross forgot to mention that Katie Kagan is attending Cuyahoga Community College in the fall.

Since I enjoy "re-making" things, I am going to "re-make" Mr. Robert Ross' "announcements." Unlike Mr. Robert Ross, I am going to write (say) additional information. The following is an example [myself] of what I will write.

Katie Kagan is a paid employee at Light and Associates, an Accounting Firm (small business). She will be continuing her education at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C), and she hopes to earn a certificate of completion either in Pharmacy Technology (Pharmacy Technician) or Nutrition. She has High-Functioning Autism (HFA)other conditions.

Sari Gonick is a paid employee at American Medical Computing, JEllen's House Of Fabric, (small businesses) and Hathway Brown School. She has High-Functioning Autism (HFA).

Lauren Carson is a paid employee at Hillcrest Hospital. She has High-Functioning Autism (HFA) and other conditions.

Matt Young will be attending Notre Dame College in the Fall. He has ADHD.

These are some of the many CEVEC graduates of 2010 who are on the Autism Spectrum and one who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and are either paid employees in the community or are attending college.

Not all people who are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder's (ASD's) receive equal NOT been fortunate. They are or will be working (and possibly getting paid) at various Adult Activity Centers (warehouses, FAKE employment).

I am just SO frustrated! Why is it OKAY to "shelter" - EXCLUDE, a person because they need supports and accommodations to work in the community? There is NO question that ALL people with ASD's CAN be PRODUCTIVE in a COMPETITIVE environment. Why does a diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum get someone sent to a "concentration camp for the disabled" (except the ending of the video) and excluded from community employment?

Not all persons with disabilities have attended or are currently enrolled in CEVEC, a school-based vocational program. Persons who do not receive vocational training can still be successful on the job. I would like to acknowledge an individual with a disability who did NOT attend CEVEC. He also completed high school and college without special education help. 

David Light graduated from Akron State University. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Marketing. He currently has three jobs. He works at the Winking Lizard Tavern, a restaurant and bar, Big Brother Association, and he owns and runs an on-line jewelry business - Mongoose Jewelry. He also have ADHD.