A- A A+
English Spanish
Upcoming Public Meetings COVID-19 Resources
Introducing the My Story Matters  -  A story collection campaign.
Learn About Our Five Public Policy Priorities!
A homepage banner with the words “Check Out Our New 2023 Annual Report Available in English en espanol ” on the left side and two pictures of annual reports - one in English and one in Spanish
Highlights & Hot Topics! Latest Issue Now Available in English, Audio, Spanish version coming soon!

My ADA Story: Reflections on My High School Graduation Celebration

By Thomas Tripp

A graduation cap and a diploma rolled up with a red ribbonImage description: A graduation cap and a diploma rolled up with a red ribbon One of my fondest memories is the celebration when I graduated from high school. And it was truly a celebration of a huge accomplishment. You see, I have autism and hyperlexia. Growing up, I had an extremely limited vocabulary, but I was fascinated with letters and could read at levels beyond the words I could use.  The more I read, the better my vocabulary became – but it was a terribly slow process. I still struggle with anxiety, depression and isolation, but, thanks to the ADA, I had support from great teachers who wanted to see me succeed. 

I have learned to value true friends and the support system that I have and to appreciate the people who love me, accept me as I am and celebrate me. I am also learning to advocate for myself more, in addition to looking out for my best interests.

Quote from Thomas Tripp:

“Thanks to the ADA, I have been able to work different jobs, obtain a drivers’ license and graduate from college. I’m better equipped to advocate for myself and celebrate my uniqueness.”

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the ADA

Read all the stories here or share your own ADA story.

Recent Posts

Joomla Templates and Joomla Extensions by JoomVision.Com
Aspectos destacados y temas de marzo de 2024

Mensaje de la Directora Ejecutiva Celebrando el Mes de ConcientizaciónR

Joomla Templates and Joomla Extensions by JoomVision.Com

Upcoming Events

1 Apr
Side by Side with DMH/DD/SUS Monthly Webinar
Date Monday, April 1, 2024 – 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
2 Apr
World Autism Awareness Day
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 –
2 Apr
Adult Social Group at Camp Royall
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 – 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
4 Apr
Cook Together
Thursday, April 4, 2024 – 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities

Office Hours: 9AM-4PM Monday-Friday
3109 POPLARWOOD COURT, SUITE 105,
RALEIGH, NC 27604
 
1-800-357-6916 (Toll Free)
984-920-8200 (Office/TTY)
984-920-8201 (Fax)
 
This project was supported, in part by grant number 2001NCSCDD-02, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.

Sign Up For Our Newsletter and Alerts!

Invalid Input