Spotlight Archives

Let’s Talk About Autism

Posted on April 19, 2023 | by Victoria | Leave a Comment

By Matthew Louis LaGassa Published April 20, 2023

Reviewed by Victoria Wells

About the Author:

Matthew Louis LaGassa (born March 2002) was diagnosed Autistic when he was two years old, and has always thought of his neurodivergency as a core part of his identity. Outside of his internship here at CIL, he’s a Junior year student at Rollins College, majoring in English and minoring in Writing, with a knack for analytical essay writing. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, videogames, tabletop roleplaying games, and baking.

Language:

Hello readers! It’s me, the intern, Matthew LaGassa again! You may know that April is Autism Awareness Month, but to many of my fellow people on the Autism Spectrum, we prefer Autism Acceptance Month. Autism awareness cannot exist on its own, it must be followed up with Autism acceptance. To spread them both, I’m honored to speak through CIL about my experiences regarding life on the spectrum.

Historically, different terms have been used to describe various manifestations of Autism. The ones I knew the most growing up were High Functioning Autism and Low Functioning Autism. These labels were based on differences in exhibited traits and mental capabilities, with my own Autism classifying me as a High Functioning Autistic. Nowadays, these distinctions are decried by the community at large for their failings to notice the intricacies and factors that can influence our capabilities and mental health daily. Similarly, our community also refuses to use the term Asperger’s Syndrome due to its namesake, the late Hans Asperger, having been a member of the Nazi Regime in Germany.

To quote to my previous article “Do you Know how to Refer to Someone with a Disability”, referring to Autism commonly falls under the two most prevalent disability referral languages: person-first language, which “puts a person before their diagnosis,” and identity-first language, which “leads with a person’s diagnosis.” The phrases that best fit for Autism, are “Person with Autism,” and “Autistic.” Personally, I’ve never been shy about embracing identity first language, as “I’ve always considered my Autism a vital part of who I am,” and I know that there are others in the community who feel the same way, but that doesn’t invalidate those in the community who to prefer person-first language.

All-Mentality:

Let’s address the All-Mentality regarding Autistic Individuals by shining a light on the varied ways Autism presents itself (and doesn’t). When you think of Autism, what traits come to mind? For the more well-read, I’d assume the images of difficulties socializing, preferring to be alone, restrictive interests, and maybe even meltdowns come to mind. Though such traits are well researched as common symptoms, they certainly don’t manifest the same way for many of us, despite many others’ claims. This is the “All Mentality” at work – the mentality that assumes everyone within a certain group shares the same behaviors, interests, skills, or other aspects that can actually vary greatly between people. We see stereotypes all the time in society, especially ones directed towards racial/ethnics minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, and religious denominations. You may have had to confront stereotypes in your own life before because of your position in at least one of these communities, and for Autistics, we certainly have to as well.

One stereotype I had to grow up with, having been diagnoses Autistic very young, was that all autistic individuals were good at math because films like the 1988 comedy-drama Rain Man, propagated this misinformation broadly. I’ve always been a living antithesis of this stereotype; Math is easily my worst subject in school! English has, and always will be, where my proficiencies lie.

Assuming Autistic people all have the same behaviors, difficulties, etc., is never the answer. Autism Spectrum Disorder has the word “Spectrum,” in its name for good reason; there are so many ways Autism can present itself, and we’re all deserving of being treated as equals, free from others’ assumptions of ourselves, and being listened to when we talk about how our Autism impacts our lives.

Do you think you’re autistic?

Now that you’ve learned a little about Autism, we want to ask you, “Do you think you’re Autistic?” I am joined by a CIL Case Manager to lay out a path towards diagnosis for all ages and vouch for it and the accommodations it has given us with our own life stories.

If you’ve spent any amount of time on social media as of late, especially Tik Tok, you’ve probably encountered a post or two about traits or behaviors shared by Autistics, such as sensitivity to sound and touch, a need for routine, preference for bland food, etc., and you may even exhibit some of these traits; though having these traits doesn’t automatically make you autistic, identifying such traits can be a good first step on the way to self-diagnosis. If you want to explore your possible autism further, you can look up the latest definitions of Autism from the latest trusted sources like the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM V); take the RAADS-R test which was developed as a starting point to getting a diagnosis-you can take this test online and it produces a 97% accurate result; And you can delve deeper into online communities of Autistic people, such as blogs, social media sites, or forums such Autistic Truth or r/autism. Autism can present itself very differently across the gender spectrum, so make sure to look for resources that best match your gender identity.

Once you’ve solidified your self-diagnosis, you may want to start looking into an official one via trusted medical help, typically a psychiatrist, psychologist, neurologist, or potentially a pediatrician. The process can vary greatly between children and adults, but if all goes well, you’ll have an official answer one way or another. Once you do have your diagnosis, it’s time to apply for it and get the accommodations you need to succeed in life, such as at school or work. As we can attest to, recognizing our Autism, and being surrounded by those who do as well has done wonders for our experiences in both our work/academic and personal lives.

CIL Case Manager: Technically, I do not have a formal autism diagnosis. When I was in first or second grade, my mom had me tested for ADD (now under the umbrella term ADHD) and I received that diagnosis. In that time, it didn’t do much other than get me a prescription and an understanding that I would be chronically unorganized. When I was 18, I was told no more medication – that’s only for kids – and best of luck in the world! I went from the age of 18 to 35 with no supports, accommodations, or anything besides the occasional “squirrel!” joke. Then I started learning more about what autism is and what it looked like. What it looked like was a lot like me. I took RAADS-R and scored very high and began looking into accommodations that might help me. My biggest accommodation has been a pair of noise-cancelling headphones that I wear every day. I can still hear conversations, but it blocks a lot of the smaller, irritating noises that stress me out. I now understand that when I feel overwhelmed that I’m not being “crazy”, I’m experiencing a meltdown. At this time in my life, I don’t need an official diagnosis as my current work allows my accommodation, but having a diagnosis earlier in life would have made things much easier.

Matthew: As many of our readers should know by now, I was diagnosed when I was very young, and have been fortunate to have received many helpful tutors and accommodations. As tedious and exhausting as psychoeducational testing was for me, it’s been the cornerstone of the accommodations I appreciate to this day. As a Rollins student, I have preferential seating in the back of my classrooms, so that I’m not distracted by any classmates behind me, but the majority of my accommodations manifest when I take exams. I receive additional time on my exams, as well as a separate room to take said exams in order to help me focus on them; I’m also able to schedule my exams for dates and times different from the syllabi, so that I don’t have multiple exams on the same day, or days close to each-other. Outside of my academic life, I do my best to take care of myself, especially when recognizing if I feel overwhelmed and on the verge of a meltdown. I can reach out to people I trust, like my family or therapists to help me through the worst of it, and I wouldn’t trade my Autism for any other way of life.

For this April to truly be Autism Acceptance Month, acceptance must come in many ways, and using the correct language is one. “Listen to the language we use, recognize how the language you use to refer to us makes us feel, and give us our rightful say in how we want to be referred to. Whether we prefer people-first or identity-first language, listening to us is what truly safeguards our personhood.” Whether you’re neuro-divergent yourself, a neurotypical ally, or pondering your own potential Autism, we at CIL hope you’ve learned a lot and hope you continue learning all about Autism beyond this month. Thank you for reading!

References:

LaGassa, Matthew (March 3, 2023). “Do you know how to refer to someone with a disability?” Retrieved from: https://cilorlando.org/do-you-know-how-to-refer-to-someone-with-a-disability/

National Disability Employment Awareness Week- Tips To Help You Ace Your Next Job Interview

Posted on October 18, 2021 | by cil_admin

Written by Golda Kelli Ryan

As we continue to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we aim to expand awareness and provide useful tools! Do you ever feel overwhelmed when preparing for a job interview? Going on an interview can be stressful, and it can be even more stressful for someone with a disability. There is no doubt that everyone gets nervous and second guesses themselves in the days leading up to an interview, but individuals with disabilities need to prepare for things like accessible accommodations and making sure recruiters are aware of what makes them qualified and unique candidates. A well-thought-out plan can help you handle these obstacles and ace your next job interview!

Prepare, because Practice Makes Perfect!

Get to know the job you’re applying for. Research the company and the job requirements. Once you have a better understanding of the position, become comfortable with discussing your strengths and characteristics that make you the ideal candidate. Ask a friend or family member if you can practice talking about your skills. The more you practice, the more confident you will feel on interview day.

If you become overwhelmed in the process, remind yourself of this tip from Stephen Hawking:

“My advice to other disabled people would be, concentrate on things your disability doesn’t prevent you from doing well and don’t regret the things it interferes with.”

Look Into The Interview Location’s Accessibility

Creating a list of questions concerning location accessibility before your interview will help ease your stress. Don’t be afraid to ask if the employer has not informed you of it.

Invacare recommends you think about these questions when you’re making your location accessibility list.

✅ Do they have any steps that would block a wheelchair?

✅ How far is the interview room from the carpark, and do they have disabled parking spaces?

✅ Is there an accessible bathroom?

✅Are guide dogs welcome, and is there a hearing loop in the building or interview room?

What To Wear To Dress For Success

Don’t worry, your professional clothing does not have to be brand new or expensive.

Dress for success by wearing work-appropriate professional clothing. Wear an outfit that reflects your professionalism and respect for the organization.You will naturally feel more comfortable and confident during the interview when you dress the part.

Wear a dress or a button-down shirt, dress pants, and formal shoes.

Avoid casual attire, jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, or flip flops.

What Documents Should You Bring To Your Interview

Bring a copy of your resume, a notepad, and a pen. These things are great for taking notes during the interview. If the employer requests additional documents, such as a CV or references, be sure to bring those with you, too.

The Interview

It is important to arrive ten minutes early in order to make a good first impression. Showing up early is a great way to also show your professionalism to a potential employer. Before you enter the building be sure to turn off your cell phone. It was reported in the 2017 Recruiter National Report 71% of employers would eliminate candidates who checked their phones at the interview.

During the interview, remember to focus on the strengths and characteristics that you practiced with your friend or family member before the interview. That’s where the preparation comes in handy.

If you become nervous about discussing your disability remember that you can choose whether or not to disclose your disability to the interviewer. There is no requirement for you to mention your disability, and interviewers may not ask about it.

After The Interview

Thank the interviewer and shake his hand again. It’s always a good idea to follow up with this employer when you get home. You will demonstrate good manners and prove you are serious about working for them. To show your appreciation for the time your interviewer spent with you, you can send a thank you note or email.

Blind Americans Equality Day

Posted on October 15, 2021 | by cil_admin

Written by Golda Kelli Ryan

Blind Americans Equality Day, formerly known as White Cane Awareness Day, is celebrated every year on October 15 to highlight the challenges faced by people who are blind and provide resources to empower them. In the 1960s, the National Federation of the Blind became a leader in fighting for the rights of the blind and in pioneering innovative training programs using the white cane. White canes represent the independence of blind people throughout the world and are used in a variety of ways. White canes help enhance the sense of touch, making it easier to recognize steps, uneven pavement, and hazards.

As a result of the National Federation of the Blind’s persistence in fighting for the rights of people who are blind, the United States Congress passed a law authorizing the president to proclaim October 6th as White Cane Safety Day. On October 15, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the first proclamation for White Cane Safety Day recognizing the role that white canes play in enabling blind people to travel independently and safely. In 2011, President Barack Obama renamed it “Blind Americans Equality Day” to reflect its significance and called on “all public officials, business and community leaders, educators, librarians, and Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.”

What is blindness?

Infographic illustration with numbers and information about blindness in the United States. — Source: Zoomax (https://www.zoomax.com/low-vision-information/facts-blindness-vision-impairment.html)

Blindness may be defined in a variety of ways. Typically, blindness refers to the inability to see. However, a loss of vision that cannot be corrected through glasses or contact lenses can also be considered a form of blindness. Researchers have found that blindness can be inherited as well as age-related. The Cleveland Clinic reports that more than 60% of cases of blindness in infants are caused by inherited eye diseases such as congenital cataracts, congenital glaucoma, retinal degeneration, optic atrophy and eye malformations. While genetic factors play a major role in blindness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the leading cause in the United States is age-related eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.

Statistics published by the National Federation of the Blind in 2016 indicate that 544,700 Florida residents of all ages live with a vision impairment. Additionally, there are 7,208,700 adults, aged 16 and older, with significant vision loss in the United States. It is imperative that we become more aware of these numbers and find new ways to support people with visual impairments in our communities.

Here are some helpful etiquette tips provided by the American Foundation for the Blind (www.afb.org) to utilize when communicating with blind people:

Ask a person who is blind or visually impaired if they would like assistance while guiding them and offer them your arm.
Assist individuals by allowing them to take your arm just above the elbow when your arm is bent. When guiding someone, walk ahead of them. Never grab a person who is blind or visually impaired by the arm and push him/her forward.

Guide dogs are working mobility tools. Do not pet them, feed them or distract them while they are working.
Do not leave a person who is blind or visually impaired standing in “free space” when you serve as a guide. Always be sure that the person you guide has a firm grasp on your arm, or is leaning against a chair or a wall if you have to be separated momentarily.
Be calm and clear about what to do if you encounter a person who is blind or visually impaired about to encounter a dangerous situation. For example, if a person who is blind is about to bump into a pole in a hotel lobby, calmly and firmly call out, “Wait there for a moment; there is a pole in front of you.”

National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Highlight: Employment Program Trains People with Disabilities for Real-World Jobs

Posted on March 30, 2021 | by cil_admin

March celebrates National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, since it was proclaimed by President Reagan in 1987 with the purpose of “[raising] public awareness of the needs and the potential of Americans with developmental disabilities” and to provide the “encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”

Navigating entry into the workforce as a young adult can be a daunting and challenging task, especially during a global pandemic. Having a disability of any sort can make that process even more difficult. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, In 2020, 17.9 percent of persons with a disability were employed, compared to the 61.8 percent of people employed who did not have a disability.

Project SEARCH is working to change that. Developed at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center as a business-led, one-year work-preparation program for young people, ages 18 to 22 with developmental disabilities, it now has 600 job sites. One of them is Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, where the program is in its fifth year, and boasts a higher placement rate than the national average for Project SEARCH programs.

Participants are enrolled while transitioning from high school to work. The hallmark of Project SEARCH is total workplace immersion, which facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training. Project SEARCH’s primary objective is to secure competitive employment for every program participant.

“Project SEARCH is a transition program that believes in the potential that our young adults have. We strive on focusing all the abilities that they possess instead of pointing out what they don’t. It provides them with an opportunity to become employed and independent if they desire,” says Mildred Roldan, Employment Specialist with the Center for Independent Living in Central Florida (now known as CIL).

Young lady wearing teal scrubs and hair bet sits at a desk while performing a task with her hands. — Madison Lewis, who started in the Project SEARCH program at Lakeland Regional Health in 2020, finds great joy in having an official position as a Sterile Processing Technician.

Madison Lewis,19, and Tyler Baranowski,18, are two of the 6 current participants in Project SEARCH at Lakeland Regional Health. They both began the program in August of last year and will graduate with their classmates this April. Additionally, both have been offered full-time positions at Lakeland Regional Health as Sterile Processing Technicians- an opportunity that neither Lewis nor Baranowski had expected would happen at this point in their lives.

The hospital setting of Project SEARCH also serves as an opportunity for student participants to grow socially within the workplace setting.

Young man in teal scrubs and hair bet performs task with hands at desk. — Tyler Baranowski, 18, began his Project SEARCH journey alongside Madison and has recently accepted a position of Sterile Processing Technician at Lakeland Regional Health.

“I’m usually the quiet person that just sits and does the job; nothing more, nothing less. But after a little while, knowing the people in the departments I’ve been in, I’ve opened up and made friends and still talk to some of the people in the departments I’m not in anymore,” says Baranowski.

Sandy Perlewitz, Project SEARCH Facilitator, Polk County Public Schools, has been involved with the program at Lakeland Regional Health since its inception and has seen firsthand the impact of the program on participants: “It’s a unique, hands-on job skill training program with total immersion in the workplace environment. Sometimes the students come in with a low level of self-esteem, but they gain confidence and self-advocacy throughout the program. They learn to answer interview questions with self-assurance and learn that they have what it takes to be successful,” Perlewitz describes.

According to the staff at Lakeland Regional Health, Project SEARCH not only benefits the students but also the hospital that had welcomed the students as their own. Tiffany Hanson, Lakeland Regional Health Recruiter and Project SEARCH Coordinator notes that “…several departments value the students and the positive attitudes that they bring. They [the students] display an appreciation for the opportunity and commit to doing their best each day.”

As graduation approaches, Madison and Tyler reflect on the last seven months in the program, and the opportunities that they never envisioned for themselves:

“This has been life-changing for me,” says Lewis. “I am able to just speak up for myself… I never thought that I would have the chance to actually work a job before applying for it,” says Baranowski.

The personal and professional growth that has occurred during the program is obvious to the parents of both Madison and Tyler as well.

“In the last year I have witnessed a huge change in Madison’s attitude, organization, follow-through, and her sense of responsibility. She has matured significantly over the last several months and I feel she will take the lessons she has learned throughout this program and continue to apply them to many areas of her life, especially in the workforce,” says Laura Lewis, mother of Madison.

“He is feeling more confident about his future. He has discovered career paths that he didn’t know were possible,” adds Tyler’s mother, Lori Baranowski.

CIL currently oversees 2 Project SEARCH sites in Central Florida with plans to expand to a third site by Fall of 2021. As Project SEARCH grows and finds new homes in Florida communities, more young adults like Madison and Tyler will discover their potential in the workforce.

A Personal Letter of Opportunity- Meet Luz

Posted on December 7, 2020 | by cil_admin

I think we can all agree that 2020 has been a year like no other. However, despite all the negativity this year has brought, I still have HOPE. I have HOPE that there are still incredible people in this world that want to help others and HOPE that when a person with a disability needs something that can make their life more meaningful and become more independent, that people step up.

Five years ago, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a diagnosis that would change the way I live the rest of my life. This disease has taken so much away from me- my mobility being the most difficult to cope with. My ability to get around on my own has drastically decreased and now I fully rely on my wheelchair to do even the simplest of things like get around my home.

Losing my ability to walk wasn’t the only obstacle I faced. My own home, a place that used to make me feel safe and happy, now made me feel afraid and anxious. The steps leading to my front door seemed like a steep mountain, and if I fell down, I was unsure if I would be able to get back up on my own. Not only did this unexpected diagnosis take a physical toll on me, but also an emotional and mental toll. I felt like a prisoner in my own home. With the isolation came depression.

I knew I needed help, but I did not know where to turn until last year when I was connected with an organization that would change my life forever. On September 21 of 2019, CIL provided me a miracle by building me a ramp. This ramp has truly changed my life. It has given me the ability to be independent, to access my home, and to not feel like a burden to others. It has given me a sense of safety and the ability to reconnect with the world.

Last year I was 1 of the 119 people that CIL helped by providing life changing home modifications like ramps, door widenings, and the installation of grab bars. In addition, CIL provided 73 people with assistive equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, and shower chairs to give them the sense of independence they deserve.

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, CIL has still been working hard to help people with disabilities in need, giving people struggling that same HOPE that they gave to me. Since March of this year, CIL has received 1 call per day from individuals needing a home modification. That is an additional 200 people added to the waiting list since March.

They cannot continue to do the amazing work that they do without you though. Your donation truly makes a difference. By making a donation to CIL you help to give Central Florida’s most vulnerable residents the opportunity to be in control of their own lives. Your gift will provide the much-needed accessibility that our neighbors with disabilities need in order to live their lives to the fullest. We all face obstacles, especially during a year like this one, so I ask you to embrace the opportunity to make a positive change in someone’s life, and make a donation to CIL.

A Veteran’s Mission for Independence: Meet Bobbie Smith

Posted on November 11, 2020 | by cil_admin

Written by Melissa Donovan

Bobbie Smith spent 10 years as a mechanic in the United States Army and another 20 working for the United States Postal Service. While Bobbie was not in a rush to stop working, he was forced to retire after developing prostate cancer. He underwent radiation therapy that ultimately saved his life, but this was just the beginning of Bobbie’s medical journey. His back also required an intricate spinal fusion surgery, and bad circulation related to his diabetes required a partial amputation of one of his feet. With all of that, Bobbie also lost one of the things that he cherished most: his freedom.

Bobbie has always been very active in his community and without a safe and accessible way to leave his house, he was not able to do things that he once enjoyed. “I’m not really a home body. I want to explore, stay busy, participate in activities, and give back to the community,” Bobbie said. He uses a motorized chair to get around his house and outside, but there was still one thing that stood in front of him and his independence: the stairs to his house. With limited resources and the desire to leave his home, Bobbie crafted a makeshift ramp that allowed him to leave his home, but was very unsafe and not fully accessible.

Although Mr. Smith makes it his mission to live as independently as possible, he still relied on regular assistance from family, friends, neighbors, roommates and daughter, who would all help him get in and out of his home.

“I had to depend on a lot of people, which is something I do not like to do,” Bobbie said.

A chair stands on top of two brick stairs- the front door of Bobbie's home is open to see inside. — The chairs at the bottom of Bobbie’s front door left him relying on a chair and his friends and neighbors to get out of his home.

With the help of ABC Prosthetics & Orthotics and their volunteer group “Limb-It-Less,” Bobbie received an aluminum ramp on February 9, 2019 that was built using donated tools from Stanley Black & Decker. The ramp was was built to not only allow Bobbie to access his home without assistance, but also to do safely. Bobbie described first seeing his ramp like the feeling of “opening up a present on Christmas day”.

“I am on the go a lot, and now I do not need any help leaving the house,” Bobbie said.

Bobbie recommends that veterans who are in similar situations to get in touch with CIL. He is very thankful and appreciative of all the work that volunteers have done for him to give him back his freedom.

Seven people stand in front of and to the sides of Bobbie Smith (in his electric wheelchair) on an aluminum ramp in front of a house. — Volunteer team “Limb-it-Less” join Bobbie on his newly assembled ramp.

Click here to donate to help more veterans like Bobbie rediscover their independence.