Dear Readers, I have greatly enjoyed sharing my experiences and highlighting issues surrounding transition and young adulthood with you. After a lot of thoughtful consideration, I have decided to close this notebook and pursue other interests. Thank you for walking along with me as I shared a bit of my journey these past few years…. Read more »
Year: 2023
Preparing Teens and Young Adults with Disabilities for Employment
By Adria Nassim Ever since I was a child, I loved to write stories—a passion that would eventually become my career. As a child, I also learned how to convey the unique needs linked to my disability and to cultivate diverse friendships. Now, as a staff member for the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community,… Read more »
If I’m Not Home, Check the Library
By Adria Nassim April 23–29 is National Library Week, but for me it’s always library week! Libraries have always been important to me since I was very young, offering an escape from society, serving as a diverse social hub, providing a low sensory environment, and fostering a sense of belonging. My favorite place in the… Read more »
“Let Me Try!” The Dignity and Importance of Risk in Planning for Independence
By Adria Nassim When I speak with different audiences, I typically mention one of the key elements that led to me living a meaningful independent life in young adulthood was my parents’ belief in the dignity and importance of risk in planning for independence. They both accepted very early on that I would have challenges…. Read more »
Lessons from 15 Years of Independent Living
By Adria Nassim Recently, I heard a conversation in which someone said 2008 was fifteen years ago. In the fall of 2008, I had just moved to Bloomington where I started college at Indiana University. At that time, I also enrolled in a program for college age students with autism and learning disabilities which helps… Read more »