How has autism impacted your life?
Autism is not an illness. I am just like everyone else. I would not be who I am if I did not have Asperger’s Syndrome. I could never imagine living without being autistic. It is my ABILITY!
What role did you take in navigating your education and your transition into adulthood?
I was a follower for a long period of time. Everyone did everything for me. I didn’t have a teacher that challenged me like the ones I had in the past. What I did want was to graduate like everybody else and get a job. Transitioning at first is the most difficult part, especially when you are coddled, nurtured, or even treated differently. My mother is the most prominent advocate in my life. She pushed me to find resources and helped me learn to advocate for myself.
What does being a self-advocate mean to you?
I think that a self-advocate advocating for themselves is essential! You cannot advocate for someone if you do not advocate for yourself!
What advice would you give someone about becoming an empowered self-advocate?
Love people. Treat people the same as you want to be treated. Try not to be bothered by people that do not understand the disability world and treat you differently. Be yourself and keep your voice strong!
What do you think is the biggest misconception about people with disabilities?
Some people label us by our disability and not by our name or who we are. There needs to be more education, classes, and training to get rid of this misconception. We need acceptance and to be treated equally.
What do you feel are the biggest challenges facing young adults with disabilities?
I feel the biggest challenge for young adults with disabilities is that the majority are held back. What I mean is that through growing up to be a young adult, parents tend to do everything for you. I needed more time because of my disability. Parents, please give your teens (with and without disabilities) more opportunities like a simple chore or activity. You might be shocked by how much they know. They may need that extra push to be independent.
What is the most important thing to be aware of when a young person with a disability is transitioning into adulthood?
Through my experience transitioning to adulthood, I feel that it is important to let young adults with a disability have the freedom to speak their opinions, choices, or what they want to do. We all have a busy schedule but make time for someone transitioning, especially a young adult with a disability. Every moment you spend time with an individual is always a learning moment.
What made you decide to join AmeriCorps?
At first, I just went along with it, honestly. During this time, I was shy and kept to myself. AmeriCorps changed the game by making me do something and not letting others do it for me. The opportunities have shaped who I am today as a self-advocate.
What did you learn from that experience?
I gained a ton of knowledge! The experience opened my eyes to my true abilities and made me aware that this is MY life. I want to live it my way, make those choices, make those calls and be my own individual without someone being that person for me.
What do you enjoy most about working with the Institute for Disability Studies?
Working on videos! I get to work on my baby, Chit Chat Thursday with Taylor, a YouTube series that focuses on self-advocacy efforts in our state. The best part is when I get opportunities to tell my story through presentations virtually or physically.
Why is working with individuals with disabilities important to you?
It is my profession! As an individual with a disability, I can relate to anyone that experiences discrimination, bullying or being treated differently because a simple diagnosed term labeled them. I want to let everyone know that people with disabilities are the same as you and me. This is why it is important to me in this line of work.
What is your favorite memory from growing up?
The fondest memory I can recall is when I graduated from High School. The absolute excitement sitting in USM Reed Green Coliseum among the other students at any moment had to walk up to the stage accept their diploma, the people applaud for you no matter who you were. That memory felt like I had accomplished a big milestone in my life.
What are your interests?
I have many interests! This is why I will keep this very short. I am a nerd at heart that loves animation, writing, reading, illustrations, movies, adventure places I have never been to, and even video games.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
Most people do not know I like to write stories. I have dreams of publishing my trilogy, which is still in development for the world to see my abilities.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Usually, when someone asks me that question, I think of the generic response that is easy and simple for someone to understand who I am. You get people who want to fly, teleport, vision, shapeshift, and such. My power comes from a Japanese RPG called: “Shin Megami Tensei” or known to western audiences “Persona” franchise. An individual will awaken a persona that has abilities. The ability I want to do is resonate with others, help them find their voice to become a self-advocate. That definitely helped me in my profession!
Taylor Carley of Hattiesburg is a Self-Advocacy Coordinator at The University of Southern Mississippi Institute for Disability Studies (IDS)
