FYC Members and Alumni

• Jakel Baker
• Shevie Barnes
• Olivia Burka
• Nigel Diaz
• Zeta Gil
• Leah Gorman
• JJ Humphrey
• James Kuhlman
• Anthony LaCava
• Sydney Lanier
• Vanessa Muniz-Pellicer
• Michelle Sandiford
• Miles Stewart
• Josue Tapia
• Lilibeth Carrion Vega
• Serena Wetmore

The Guide Dog Who Became a Hero

By Sydney Lanier

As we remember the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, we honor the people who lost their lives, including the heroes who risked everything to save others. But did you know that a dog helped save lives that day, too?

Her name was Roselle, a Labrador retriever and guide dog for Michael Hingson, who had been blind since birth. Michael worked on the 78th floor of the World Trade Center’s North Tower, with Roselle resting under his desk.

On the morning of September 11, Michael heard and felt the impact as the building began to sway. Roselle remained calm. Michael and his coworker David Frank checked that their office was clear, then began going down the stairs with Roselle and other people leaving the building. Along the way, Roselle helped comfort a frightened woman by giving her kisses.

After they left the North Tower, the South Tower collapsed. Michael, David, and Roselle took shelter in the Fulton Street subway station to escape the dust and debris. The North Tower collapsed later, after they had left the station and continued walking away.

Roselle later received recognition for her bravery and became known as a hero dog. She retired in 2007 and died in 2011. Her story lives on through Michael’s book, Thunder Dog, about her courage and their friendship.

While we celebrate Roselle’s heroism, we must also remember everyone who lost their lives on September 11. Their memories will never be forgotten.

A Big Thank You to Occupational Therapists

By Serena Wetmore

I was looking for something to write about and discovered that October 27 is World Occupational Therapy Day. I thought, what a great opportunity to say thank you to all the therapists out there!

I started occupational and physical therapy when I was about six months old. I don’t remember much about that time, but the therapist I started with when I was about four years old stayed with me until a few months ago. Over the years, we grew together, learned from each other, and eventually became friends.

She helped me with my sitting posture, arm extension, muscle tone, stretching, and dexterity. She also spent a lot of time helping me work on my breathing, which helped with my speech and taught me ways to relax.

What I remember most, though, is the emotional support she provided when I had a bad day and needed someone to talk to. She was always willing to listen and help me through difficult days.

We did many interesting things together. I helped her teach OT students during their clinicals, and we made teaching videos together. Some of my favorite activities were making food and working on art projects, which she patiently helped me create.

Now that she has retired, I am a little sad, but I am also very grateful that she was my occupational therapist. She turned what could have been a boring necessity into a fun activity that I looked forward to every week.

A Brilliant Mind Beyond the Silence

By Michelle Sandiford

Thomas Edison was born in 1847. He attended school for only a few months. His mother taught him reading, writing, and arithmetic, and he continued learning through his own reading and experiments.

Edison developed significant hearing loss during childhood and was very hard of hearing as an adult. The exact cause of his hearing loss is uncertain. He told different stories about it, including a train incident in which he was lifted by his ears. Hearing loss also affected other members of his family.

Edison said that his deafness helped him block out distracting noises and concentrate on his work. Accounts also describe him biting down on a phonograph or piano to perceive sound vibrations through his teeth and skull.

Edison and his team developed a practical incandescent light bulb and the electrical system needed to use it in homes. Their work included the equipment to generate electricity, wiring, fuses, and switches. His inventions also included the phonograph, which could record and play back sound.

Thomas Edison died on October 18, 1931, at his home, Glenmont, in West Orange, New Jersey.

R.A.D.D.: From a Vision to My Purpose

By Shevie Barnes

R.A.D.D., Rising Against Disabilities & Discrimination, is more than the name of my nonprofit. It represents two decades of my life, growth, and commitment to disability advocacy.

I first created R.A.D.D. in 2006 with a desire to stand against the discrimination and barriers faced by people with disabilities. At the time, I could not have imagined how much that vision would grow, or how much I would grow with it. What began as an idea has now become my own nonprofit organization and a reflection of the advocate and leader I have become.

Over the years, I have learned that advocacy is more than speaking up when something is wrong. It is showing up, educating others, challenging stereotypes, mentoring the next generation, and making sure people with disabilities have a seat at the table. My journey has allowed me to advocate at the Capitol, connect with leaders, serve my disability community, and use my experiences to help others recognize the power of their own voices.

R.A.D.D. carries all those experiences with it.

For me, this nonprofit is about creating the change I needed to see when I began advocating in 2006. I want the generation coming behind me to face fewer barriers, have greater opportunities, and never question whether their voices matter.

R.A.D.D. started as a vision. Twenty years later, it has become part of my legacy, and we are just getting started!

Games Are Building More Inclusive Communities

By JJ Humphrey

Walk into a local game store on a tournament night, and you may see something that surprises you: players with a wide variety of disabilities enjoying tabletop games alongside other gamers. Games such as Star Wars: Legion, Warhammer, and trading card games (TCGs) like Lorcana can provide an engaging and accessible way for people to connect, compete, and express themselves.

For some disabled players, miniature games offer hands-on experiences that can be easier to engage with than purely digital games. Moving miniatures, organizing cards, building armies, painting models, and planning turns can provide tactile and visual ways to interact with the game. The ability to play at a comfortable pace, use accommodations, and communicate with other players can also make tabletop gaming a welcoming social activity.

The benefits go beyond the game itself. Local gaming communities can help players build friendships, practice communication, develop strategic thinking, and find a place where their interests are shared and respected. Inclusive gaming also gives disabled players opportunities to participate as competitors, hobbyists, artists, collectors, and community members.

Getting started can be simple. Visit a local game or card shop and ask about beginner nights, learn-to-play events, or organized play. Many stores have players willing to teach newcomers. For Star Wars: Legion or Warhammer, beginners can start with a small force or introductory set rather than purchasing everything at once. TCG players can ask about starter decks, beginner events, or casual games.

Most importantly, newcomers should ask about available accommodations and let the gaming community know what helps them participate comfortably. There is room at the table for everyone!

Changing Mind

By Jakel Baker

Have you ever wondered why something that seems easy for everyone else can feel difficult for you? Having a disability can affect more than school or learning; it can also affect your mental health.

For me, having autism has sometimes made social situations difficult. I can get confused about what I am supposed to say or how I am expected to act. I also worry about being judged or thought of as weird. I struggled with this, especially in middle school, when I often felt like I did not fit in. Over time, those experiences affected my mental health and contributed to depression.

However, I would not want to get rid of my autism. It is also part of what makes me creative and helps me see the world differently. I can notice things that others might not, and art gives me a way to turn the ideas in my head into something I can share with others.

Having a disability does not mean there is something wrong with you. Sometimes, life may require you to work harder at things that come naturally to others. That can be frustrating, but it can also teach you more about yourself.

I believe we should talk more about the connection between disability and mental health. We should not only focus on the challenges. We should also recognize the strengths, creativity, and unique perspectives that make each person who they are.

Life as a Scare Actor with a Disability

By James Kuhlman

Happy spooky season, everyone!

My name is James Kuhlman, and I am a brand-new scare actor with the “Demon Squad” at Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando. My scare-actor name is “Transforming Demon!”

Life as a scare actor and scaring the butts off everyone who passes by me is a whole lot of fun. I think one reason scare acting is so enjoyable for me is because I find it very stimulating for my ADHD and autism. It gives me a chance to be creative, stay active, and have fun while entertaining other people.

Scare acting is also in my blood. For those who don’t know, my mom used to be a scare actor at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal a few years ago. She passed her love of scare acting and haunted-house design down to me, so getting the opportunity to do this myself is really special.

One interesting thing about being a member of the Demon Squad is that I don’t know what position I’ll be doing until I clock in for my shift. Because of that, I go over everything with my stage manager and fellow scare actors each time. We talk about what I should do, tips for the house or zone, and the rules for my role.

Other than that, I absolutely love being a scare actor. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else this spooky season!

If you live in or are visiting the Orlando area, come to Howl-O-Scream and let me scare the butts off you, your family, and your friends!

How Do I Become Part of The Florida Youth Council?

The Florida Youth Council is a group of youth (between the ages of 15 and 17) and emerging leaders (between the ages of 18 and 30) with disabilities or special health care needs who live in Florida.

The Florida Youth Council is all about getting youth and emerging leaders involved in self-advocacy, peer mentoring and other activities that will improve the quality of life for youth and emerging leaders with disabilities in Florida. The program empowers youth and emerging leaders to decide what issues are important to their generation, to discuss those issues in their state and local communities, and to develop strategies to address them.

We are seeking a group of enthusiastic, motivated youth and emerging leaders to participate. If you would like to take a leadership role in advocating for youth and emerging leaders in Florida, please visit our website at https://floridayouthcouncil.org/join/. The program is open to application year-round.

We hope to hear from you soon!