Hi Xander, we’re so glad you could join us today, and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our neurodiverse community and readers. To start, can you share a personal experience where you felt included or excluded because of your disability?

When I'm with Inspire people, I feel included. Especially when I'm doing activities with Inspire people at Game On State.

We then asked Xander if there are any activities in particular he likes to do with the Inspire group, and he said:
“No, I just like being social. I like engaging with people I can relate to somehow.”

What resources from ANEWAY have been most helpful to you in your personal and/or professional journey?

Since I’ve been working here, from the beginning I’ve opened up to being social. [Game On State] is just a good, fun place to hang out. I’ve learned good skills in communication with people, and I’ve seen that I’ve improved in that. I’m also getting some experience working in the workforce. It’s my first job!

We then asked Xander if he’s had a good experience at his job, and he said:
“Yeah, I’ve enjoyed working here!”

What are some things you wish people knew about living with a disability?

 If you are in a wheelchair or physically disabled, people don’t always realize when there’s a step—and that you won’t be able to go up it.

What would you say is the most important thing people can do to be more inclusive and supportive of those with disabilities?

 I was just thinking about mental disabilities. It would be to speak clearly and repeat things, because some people might have a slow processing speed. Some people just don’t realize when they aren’t speaking in clear voices.