Creativity and Independence Enables DDD Member to Thrive
Writing that educates and entertains is a special skill. Revealing obscure historical people and little-known places is what Jeff, a writer and member of the DES Division of Developmental Disabilities, likes best. His talent for unearthing hidden gems in American history is remarkable–as remarkable as his independence and intellectual curiosity.
"I like to write about unique people, people in history that are not too well known," said Jeff. "Adventurers, unique artists, some people who are, overall, unusual eccentrics." Jeff's gems can be found on the SEEDS for Autism blog where he writes "Jeff's Gallery." He has written about: Lord Timothy Dexter, a self-proclaimed lord in the 1700's; the Troll Under the Bridge in Seattle, Washington; Tucson's Valley of the Moon; and Discovery Island, a former Walt Disney World attraction. One of his articles was also published in the book, Sowing Seeds: A Collection of Writing and Poetry by Adults on the Autism Spectrum.
When not researching and writing articles, Jeff is busy taking care of the apartment he shares with his brother, who is his DDD habilitation provider. The brothers split household chores and each cooks for themselves.
Jeff continues expanding on his independence by managing his own transportation. With the services of Dial-a-Ride and Paratransit, he is able to shop, visit the library and post office, and engage in various community activities, such as volunteering at a local food bank on Fridays. In addition to getting around on his own in Phoenix, he also travels on his own out of state.
Physically active, Jeff enjoys hiking the nearby mountain trails, and weightlifting and cardio workouts at a nearby gym. He also flexes his creative skills in an arts program featuring woodturning, metalworking, ceramics and making other handcrafted items to be given as gifts or prizes at the annual ZooWalk for Autism.
This creative and curious man has questions about autism: "Honestly, I question how ‘they' decide what's on the spectrum and what's not. Everyone is on their own different journey but it's never really the same with everybody on the spectrum." Jeff acknowledges that he's not an expert on the subject. He also feels slightly self-conscious about autism being classified as a disability. "I guess it is kind of a disability for some people, but for people on my level, it's something different. Others are proud of it, some are ashamed, but honestly, I kind of like to be referred to as neurologically different," instead of having a disability.
Despite any neurological differences or disability, Jeff is his own intelligent, creative, independent man who is thriving. His mother, Cathy, confirms: "He's doing phenomenally well."