A Champion of Kindness: Brady’s Impact on his Community

Brady working at his school's food truck, Dream Steam.

Brady working at his internship, Ben's Bells.

Brady Riel is a young man on the autism spectrum whose determination, work ethic, and genuine kindness have made him a beloved peer mentor and an unofficial ambassador of kindness in his community. Diagnosed at an early age, he began receiving services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) at just nine years old.

DDD supports more than 59,000 Arizonans with developmental disabilities each year, empowering individuals with conditions such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, and Down Syndrome to lead self-directed, healthy, and meaningful lives. For Brady, that support has been life-changing.

Brady selling baked goods at Cravin' Ravens Bakery.

“He’s benefited from two wonderful and extremely supportive support coordinators who have watched him grow into the young man he is today,” said Brady’s mother, Lisa. “The team of supporters has facilitated many opportunities for Brady, allowing him to grow and blossom.”

One of those opportunities is his recent acceptance into the University of Arizona’s FOCUS program for fall 2026. The program offers students ages 18–21 with intellectual or developmental disabilities a unique transition experience, including auditing college classes, participating in campus activities, and completing job internships.

Through DDD, Brady has received speech, occupational, and physical therapy, as well as job coaching and resources from community partners. These supports have helped him build confidence, skills, and meaningful connections. Last year, he proudly worked part-time as a greeter at Argenziano’s Italian Restaurant.

Brady promoting spirit at his high school pep rally.

“Brady couldn’t believe how lucky he was to actually be paid to talk to people, one of his favorite things in the world,” Lisa shared.

His résumé continues to grow. Brady completed a 28-hour internship at Ben’s Bells in Tucson, where he helped create kindness coins and wind chimes, supported retail operations, worked with young Kindness Campers, and even interviewed the director about nonprofit leadership. He also works on his school’s Dream Steam food truck, serves as a peer mentor, and volunteers at Safeway, organizing balloons and tidying the floral department.

Brady’s passion for spreading joy has earned him the title of unofficial Kindness Ambassador at Empire High School and in his neighborhood. He hands out friendship bracelets, kindness signs, and other small tokens meant to brighten someone’s day. As a two-year member of the student council, he helps lead cheers, boost school spirit, and create balloon decorations for events.

His leadership and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Brady was selected to attend a statewide high school leadership conference in Phoenix, will receive the R.O.A.R. (Recognizing Our Achieving Ravens) award in March, and was recently chosen for a Senior Spotlight recognition out of two dozen candidates.

“We’ve been so very blessed with the resources and care Brady has benefited from,” exclaimed Lisa.

If you know or are someone with developmental disabilities seeking employment assistance, explore the Division of Developmental Disabilities program.

Brady at the high school leadership conference with other students who were selected.