Zachary
Can you recall a time or experience when you felt "unboxed", when you broke free from societal expectations or labels, seen for you and not your disability? (This could be related to a job, volunteering, living independently, attend college, etc...):
When I graduated from college I felt good because I was able to go to school on my own and earn three certificates. I feel like I had a lot of support from my professors who made me feel like I could succeed. After I graduated, I used my skills and set up my own website and after that I started my own online shop. And like any other business, I need some help here and there but I do almost all of the work.
How did this experience of being "unboxed" make you feel? (Consider how it affected your self-esteem, sense of independence, and personal growth):
I felt happy to graduate from college because it was a goal for me. It made me feel like I can do many things and I hope that it will help me to get a job as some type of artist working with the certificates I received. It has helped me to get more independent and move on to my next goals. It also made me feel to go be able to use the things that I learned in college to start my online shop and other art projects.
In what ways do you feel you contribute to your own life and the community? (For example, through work, volunteering, hobbies, relationships, or other activities):
I take care of my self needs like laundry, cleaning, cooking, baking, yard work, odd jobs and things like that. I have volunteered at various jobs and am hoping to get an internship soon that could turn into a job. I am a Special Olympics athlete and I participate all year round. I like Special Olympics not only for the sports but because of the friends I have made and meeting the other athletes.
How did contributing in these ways impact your life?(Reflect on how it has shaped your identity, confidence, and interactions with others):
Doing all of these things has made me feel independent and makes me work harder to do the things that I want to do in the future. It has helped me to grow and learn too.
Why do you think people with disabilities are often required to prove that they can contribute to society?(Share your thoughts on societal attitudes, expectations, and any personal experiences that relate to this):
Having speech and comprehension deficits makes many people think I am not capable. Like neurotypical people need help, so do people with disabilities. If you have a business you need people to help with a lot of things, no one questions a neurotypical person who hires a marketing manager or a sales person, but if a disabled person does the same than they are judged that they are incapable. The reality is that disabled people are much more reliable and dedicated to their jobs/employers.
How does this expectation to continually prove oneself affect you personally? (Consider both positive and negative impacts, including any motivation it provides or frustration it causes):
It doesn't bother me because I have a lot of support from my family and even other people who believe in me and see what I can do. A good example is this exhibit, Chris Valukus and Erin have supported me with my art for many years. I would never be able to do something like this without the help of many people, and many neurotypical people would not be able to do this either.
What message would you like to share with the world about the contributions of people with disabilities? (This can be a message of advocacy, awareness, or inspiration):
As mentioned earlier, most people with disabilities want to contribute to society whether it be through a job, volunteering etc... And most people with disabilities are much more reliable and loyal to their employers that their neurotypical counterparts. I think when people take a moment to understand someone, they will be pleasantly surprised.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your journey or the importance of this exhibit?:
I want to thank Chris and Erin for all of the support and help that they have given me over the years by allowing me to display my art. I feel very lucky that I have had this opportunity. I am happy that my mom gave me this idea when I decided that I wanted to photograph my friends. I want people to see an actual person and read about how amazing they are. I am also happy that my friends are supporting me by taking part in this exhibit.