A Quarterly Publication Produced BY & FOR NC Youth with Disabilities

By Billy Pickens

ECAC Youth Outreach Coordinator

One of the most frequent questions I have been asked as it pertains to my job as ECAC's Youth Outreach Coordinator has to do with what I love most about my position? I could highlight many aspects of my work including having the privilege of sharing the youth voice with community leaders, working on projects that aim to improve the lives of youth with disabilities and so many other amazing endeavors. However, while these are all responsibilities I am honored to be a part

of, the aspect of my job I find most impactful are the sharing of stories between myself and the youth I encounter.

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Kathryn shares: I painted myself. It's called Self-Portrait. I used new painting techniques and it was fun.

Harrison shares: MRI! I like to write poetry because it makes me and others laugh. It also makes me happy and I can laugh at situations. Click here for larger version of Harrison's poem.

Hannah shares: I paint to raise money for Rett Cure. This is one of my paintings titled "Whisper Your Wish" and is dedicated to my dad who died in 2019 of colon cancer. I see yellow butterflies everywhere I go and yellow was my dad's favorite color. I know God sends "messengers" to bring us comfort here on Earth. I hope it touches many people."

Francisco shares: I have started my own business called "Doodle Cruz." One of my favorite things to do is draw my artwork on pots. I really like Halloween and I hope this pot can be featured in the next issue of YEP to get people in the spooky mood.

Sarena shares: I would hope to be featured in the next issue of YEP because people think people with disabilities are limited, but we are not. Imagination is unlimited. Also I think that what my painting does for me such as this idyllic scene with mountains and lavender, is open my imagination. It does not stop, it keeps growing.

Ty'Rez's teacher shares: Ty'Rez loves to draw. It is his passion. Last year, Ty'Rez told his mom that he wanted to create action figures. She remembers telling him to go for it! Little did she know that her encouragement would spark the development of San Dan, along with other characters who morph into Action Figures. Without any assistance, Ty'Rez drew the pictures and researched a program that would animate his creations. Mom was amazed to find the following videos when she viewed his YouTube account!

Jade shares: "I am sharing a picture of me with my drawing of Jack Skeleton, Sallie and Zero from Nightmare Before Christmas and me with my Halloween pumpkin cat sidewalk art. Drawing helps calm me. I just like to share my artwork.

Jayceon shares: (Dry erase marker on white board.) "The Animal Show" - you can see a bunny, octopus, jellyfish, puffer fish, turtle, snake, monkey, lion, elephant, mouse, any, caterpillar, chameleon, gorilla, giraffe, bear, horse, tiger, butterfly bee and bird - All of them!

Kaleb shares: I sent in some of my drawings. I started drawing when I had to be in the hospital a lot and now its like therapy for me.

Daniel submitted his digital artwork which he describes as: "A nervous pupper. He has the social anxieties. He wants to be featured so he can win a prize (he's never won anything before) He will get chips and tacos with the gift card money."

Evan shares: Here is a video of me playing the piano. I want everyone to see me do what makes me happy.

Jeremiah shares a video of himself in his very own "Unique Without Limits" band. Against all odds, he can do what everyone else does even if its done differently.

Jonah shares: I created this ship by carving balsa wood, adding dowels for masts, paper sails and string as rigging. I love ships, pirates and fishing too!

Payten shares: I submitted a dance video from my hip hop class. I have taken dance for 12 years.

Jeremy shares: I have the ability to form figures with Lego pieces. I would like to be a Lego artist and I would like my talent to be known. I also like music and I can play the drums.

Lucia shares: My boyfriend and I wanted to get to know each other better so we signed up for ballroom dancing.

Matthew shares: My girlfriend and I have been taking ballroom dancing lessons at Fred Astaire for a year and are preparing for our 2nd showcase. We have learned so much.

Samuel shares: I sent a beatboxing video. I hope it will be featured in YEP because I am self-taught and hope to be a professional beat boxer someday.

Naomi shares: "It's Ariel jumping. See the water and the tree?"

Sean shares: "Drill" Sean says he likes to create art with repeated patterns. He likes working in 3D, doing puzzles, and coloring mandalas.

Levi's teacher shares: Levi is a talented musician who can play multiple instruments and sing beautifully. One of his favorite instruments is the keyboard. Levi aspires to be a professional musician when he grows up. Levi would like to be featured in the next issue so that the world can see how talented he already is, as a 8 year old. Levi learns to play the instruments by hearing the songs first and then playing them. He does not currently read music.

Eli shares that he enjoys powerlifting with Special Olympics and plays the piano. He is a member of Youth Leadership - Iredell and is an autism advocate. He submitted his artwork and a picture of him with his service dog, Fergie. "I recognize my needs and work diligently to build on my strengths."

ECAC  |  Serving ALL of NC

1-800-962-6817

www.ecac-parentcenter.org

ecacyouth@ecacmail.org