Pathways Volume 3 | June 2021
Q&A with Self-Advocate Taylor Carley
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)
RESOURCE CORNER
Ten Tips That May Help Your Child’s
Transition to Adulthood
Planning for your child’s transition from adolescence to adulthood is one of the most important things you can do to pave the way to a successful future. In Minnesota, transition planning and services required by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) begin when your child with a disability is in the ninth grade or before if needed. You and your son or daughter will start learning new skills side-by-side. As your youth begins to take on more responsibility, you will find new ways to provide support. Regardless of physical or cognitive ability, your youth can play an active role in the transition journey, and in determining his or her own life, if you provide encouragement and guidance along the way.
Independent Living Postsecondary Goal IEP Team Decision Assistance Form
This form, provided by the Transition Coalition, is designed to help the IEP team decide if a student needs a postsecondary goal in the area of independent living. Independent living includes the skills and knowledge an individual needs to direct his or her life at home and in the community. Transition assessment information should be taken into account when completing this form and additional assessment may be necessary to adequately identify goal(s).
Cyber Disclosure for Youth with Disabilities
This document is a supplement to The 411 on Disability Disclosure: A Workbook for Youth with Disabilities, which helps youth learn about disability disclosure and what it means for them. Since that workbook was developed in 2005 there have been many advances in technology that have changed what youth need to know about disability disclosure. Search sites like Google, social networking sites like Facebook, and micro-blogging sites like Twitter have added a new element to disclosure. Now it is possible to disclose your disability on the internet without even being aware of it. This can be as simple as a picture of you using a wheelchair, comment on your friend’s blog about disability, or your profile posted on a disability organization’s website. This document provides activities, examples, and key lessons to help you get informed about making and managing your own disability disclosure online.
EVENT RECAP
Born to be WILD Family and Friends Picnic
This year's Born to be WILD Family and Friends Picnic brought many families and organizations together for the first time since early 2020, and the event did not disappoint! Guests were treated to lunch and all-day access to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. Fun events were held throughout the day, including a scavenger hunt, archery, creature feature, and a K-9 demonstration. Guests were also able to watch a diver feed fish in the museum's aquarium. To everyone's surprise, the local fire department came by for a see-and-touch experience that delighted all the senses.
UPCOMING EVENTS

Creating Your Own Path: 
Successful Transitions for Persons with Autism

September 9, 2021
at Courtyard by Marriott Gulfport Beachfront, Gulfport, MS
Torch Bearer Celebration

October 2
at Embassy Suites by Hilton, Ridgeland, MS
12th Annual Building Partnerships
Working Together Conference

October 2021


A PARENT'S PERSPECTIVE
Johnny Byrd
Johnny Byrd has been a champion for the disability community for many years, serving on boards and working directly with policymakers. His impact stems directly from his unique personal experience parenting children with special needs.

Johnny is retired from the City of Jackson and is the owner of Ahera LLC, where he works as a business systems analyst. He has a bachelor's degree in computer science from Mississippi Valley State University and a master's degree in science education from Jackson State University. He became a board member for the Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities in 2012 after joining the organization in 2008. He is also the Vice President of ASJN (Association of South Jackson Neighborhoods).

Johnny said his experience with the Coalition is one of personal triumph and tragedy.

"I have two boys diagnosed with autism. Autism is an interesting disability in that they look normal, but because of their learning disability, they have challenges that most people cannot face. My children see things a little differently than the way we see things. It is up to us to make sure that their vision and their quality of life are just as bright as any other life," said Johnny. "As a parent with two children with a disability, I find myself having to change their surroundings according to their disabilities. I have to rearrange my life according to their needs."

"It truly takes a village to raise a child. My concept is one of simplicity. Make sure that they have a safe environment, a learning environment, and a nurturing environment. That not only includes my household but my neighborhood. Everyone wants their child to be safe," said Johnny.
Johnny expressed that he has to make sure his sons' disabilities do not hamper their overall quality of life.
 
"No one is an island in a sea of change. We can accomplish much more with a shared approach to those issues that we all face. Mathematics, by definition, is the science of numbers, quantities, and shapes and the relations between them. Any problem can be resolved with proper understanding," explained Johnny. "Let them know they are not alone. There are resources available to assist in their journey with coping with their challenge."
 
"Their needs are not just special; their needs are necessary. What you do to the least of us, you have done to all of us. We never know when we could end up with a disability," said Johnny.

What Johnny enjoys most about being a Coalition member is being a servant. "There is nothing more life-fulfilling than being in a position to help or assist those in need, especially those with challenges. The Coalition is just that, a coalition. It allows those other agencies with like-minded goals of assisting those with special needs to become included members in our communities," said Johnny.

There is strength in numbers and alliances, according to Johnny. "Knowledge is real power when those groups come together to address issues of those with special needs," he said.
 
"I get more fulfillment from being a board member than anything because the Coalition is the collection of other organizations that can make sure that everything gets addressed. Think of it as organized chaos," said Johnny. "When a person cannot physically do what they have to do, it is up to us to assist in any way that we can. We get to discuss issues and make sure that we make an impact on society as a whole."

“Become part of the solution, not the problem. No one asked to be here, but since we are, we have to be better stewards of ourselves, our resources, and in particular, our children because they are the future. Whatever we put in, we are going to get back out. And love has no boundaries or conditions,” said Johnny.

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