Take a Chance on Me

There’s a viral article out that highlights a young man (Ryan Lowry) in Virginia on the autism spectrum who has penned his own letter to a future employer asking for an opportunity to work.

He highlights the wonderful IT skills he has to offer any company. He also points out where he needs mentoring. But if given the opportunity, he knows he can contribute to any company willing to work with him. 

“I promise that if you hire me and teach me, you’ll be glad that you did. I will show up every day, do what you tell me to do, and work really hard.” – Ryan Lowry

Many of us have been in that place with our kids. 

There comes that time when special needs kids transition to special needs adults. 

They “graduate” from the public school system services. 

Now what? Now where? Now who?  

As parents we know our kids. We know they are so able and ready to be able to contribute to society.  To the world around them. 

It was the same for my husband and I. We knew our son Alex would be a great employee for anyone who would hire him. But the conditions needed to be just right.

We knew his strengths. We knew his struggles. 

We needed to find someone who could see that he would be able to contribute to their business. 

Who will see our kids as additions rather than deterrents?  Who will decide a little extra investment will reap rewards they never anticipated? 

Our kids can’t always advocate for themselves as beautifully as Ryan Lowry can. They need us to help guide them in this employment endeavor. Many times we are their voice. We may be the only advertisement or marketing agency they have. 

So, if we have to advertise and market our kids, we will!  

To employers, if you take a chance on our kids, here is what you will likely get….

A person with challenges that prevent them from participating and contributing to society in the usual ways. 

A person who is earnest in trying. 

A person who has incredible skills that may need fostering. 

A person who loves being with people but may not be able to interact the way society expects. 

A person who once they know what’s expected of them will work until the job is done. Many times meticulously. 

I submit that you will also learn some things about our special needs young adults…..

They often see the world through a different lens. A lens that is pure, innocent, and unfiltered.  

They will show you a perspective that may open your eyes to the beauty that is the world of a special needs person. 

You very likely will not see prejudice, bias, or hate. That’s not the way they see the world. It’s simply not a part of who they are. 

You will see a person who is eager to please. Who wants to learn. Who wants to do a good job. 

You will see a person who may have incredible challenges, yet has so many skills to offer that will be an asset to any business. 

Our kids may not show it all the time, but they want to be proud of what they can do. 

Most of all, I truly believe with everything I am, that you will not regret adding our kids to your payroll. 

I am confident your perspective on special needs will be changed in a very positive way. 

And, I can guarantee that your world will be a better place for having met our kids. For knowing our kids. 

Your business will be better. Because you took a chance on our kids. 

Written by, Amy Schlueter

Amy Schlueter and her husband Jim are parents to Hannah(25) and Alex(24, ASD). She spends her time helping Alex navigate the world of young adults with special needs snd cultivating his unique talent as an artist. She has come to love sharing her story as a mom of an older child in the autism spectrum. She, Jim, and Alex live on West Lake Okoboji in NW Iowa. Please visit www.alextheartist.com to see Alex’s collection of beautiful work.

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Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.