Meet Valerie at Work: In Her Words…

My name is Valerie MacIver and I am autistic. Currently I am working as a Fellow at Massachusetts Advocates for Children. I am learning about different types of advocacy, including advocating for myself and for others as well as for laws and funding. I am also understanding more about special education services and resources.

Each day at MAC is an amazing experience. On some days, I attend a meeting or a lecture at the State House, write an essay on my experience, and make phone calls to Representatives regarding budget concerns. I have presented about transition at different trainings with different staff from MAC. During my presentation at the Federation for Children with Special Needs, I told my story about being bullied. In addition, I’m learning how to work in an office setting.

In my opinion, the Fellowship has a significant role in bridging gaps in my abilities to prepare me for a future career. I am passionate about improving my advocacy skills because I desire to grow as an individual. MAC is helping me to discover ways to branch out, stretch my comfort zone, and find out more about who I am as a person on the autism spectrum.

The Fellowship is one of many ways in which MAC advocates. To learn more about our autism advocacy, click here.  To learn more about becoming a supporter of our work as a member of Friends of the Autism Center and view our past events, click here.