My Autistic Wings
Autistic Autism Advocacy

"Honestly, I was quite impressed with her because she is an extremely positive and proactive person, using her energy to inspire the community.

She is really enthusiastic and passionate about disability issues and I personally think that she is making a big difference in our society. In January I went to a meeting with my supervisor and her and I was strongly and favorably affected by how confident and passionate she was about speaking in public of her own experience as a young Autistic woman in order to make the voices of disabled young people heard.

She is a role model for other young people with disabilities because she is getting the message across to people that through determination, motivation and passion everything is possible. Therefore, I strongly believe that she is making a positive contribution to the community by being actively involved and the protagonist of many different initiatives and projects in order to bring about concrete changes in people's lives. "

- Anonymous National Diversity Award Nomination

 

“Truly inspirational and absolutely fantastic. Joely you had the entire room in silence and most near tears. Thank you for sharing your story.”

- Anonymous National Diversity Award Nomination

"She shatters the misconception that 'one person can't make a difference.... Even adults and children without disabilities benefit, because the project raises awareness and therefore make people more sensitive to how they can help others in their community.

The presentation was lovely and very interesting! The activities were really eye opening. I learnt how many disabilities are hidden and are just as severe as other physical disabilities. I found Joely’s speech really inspiring. Raising awareness about disabilities is very important and I really think Joely has been able to do it in an effective and interactive way. I thought that Joely’s speech was very inspirational. It was interesting to find out more about the problems disabled people have to fare daily.

Joely has dedicated a huge portion of her life to helping others and making things easier for disabled adults and children- not just adults and children who specifically have ASD but who have other disabilities too.

Everything Joely has achieved- and everything she will doubtless go on to achieve- is a reminder to everyone of what hard work and a positive attitude can do."

- Anonymous National Diversity Award Nomination

"It is clear that as a society mental disability is not treated in the same way as physical disability and Joely is driving people to think outside the box in a carefree fun way, so as not to embarrass. Joely has turned a negative into a positive and is giving back to her peers using her inspiring speeches and insightful workshops which I have been blessed to participate in more than once. She is taking the lessons she has learnt and moving forwards; challenging others to take a good look at themselves and also have a can do attitude.

So many lessons to be covered off here; bullying, how we communicate with others and looking at the simple joy of family, loving and giving. It is important that we all take on these lessons, focus on what we can do, rather than what we can't; and forge change....Now, I want to make a difference; but how much better is it to make a difference early in someone's life, so that they can help change us and our attitudes? To share true life experience and build on it, is a total gift."


- Anonymous National Diversity Award Nomination

“Joely’s talk and the activitys too made you realize that a disability does not  always hinder you but can empower you. I found her speech and workshop powerful and inspirational. It made me change my perspective on people/life, and really helped me understand hidden disabilities. Love the fact that she refers to it as a gift.”

- Anonymous National Diversity Award Nomination