It’s not about the money
St. John’s man living with autism says he’d rather earn it
For the first time in his life, William Feltham is earning his own money and the feeling of self-worth that goes along with it.
“I really like working,” said the 24-year-old, who has autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
“A while back I was on the government system and I didn’t like it. I like earning my money. I feel better about getting money because I work for it,” said Feltham.
During his lunch break from the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador in St. John’s, where he works as a custodian, he said he was diagnosed with ASD in his late teens.
He was 16 or 17 when they figured out he had ASD, as well as a learning disability.
Feltham said those factors combined made it difficult to excel in school or to go on to post-secondary education after he graduated.
“I didn’t really like school because it was so stressful. Well, I liked school, but the studying was difficult for me,” he said.
He’s been working at the society for one year.
Tom Taylor, manager of property and facilities, said he can sum up Feltham’s work in one word: excellent.
“He’s an excellent worker. His attendance rate is 100 per cent. He loves his work. He’s enthusiastic, willing to learn new things about his job and always on time,” he said.
There are more than half a million Canadians living with an intellectual disability or ASD, according to Ready, Willing and Able — a three-year, $15-million federally funded strategy designed to work with employers in an effort to help them hire more people who have intellectual disabilities or ASD.
It is being run in 20 communities across the country. The Newfoundland and Labrador Community Living Association and the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorder Alliance have partnered to run it here. It was launched Thursday.
“It’s a very important program,” says Taylor.
“Not because they have a disability, but because they deserve to work and make money like the rest of us,” he said.
Don Gallant, Ready, Willing and Able’s national co-ordinator, told The Telegram at the launch Thursday that less than 30 per cent of people with intellectual disabilities or ASD have jobs.
“That’s the unfortunate reality despite all the work that has been done over the years by different groups and agencies,” he said.
Gallant said it is those realities that led to a discussion with federal Employment and Social Development Minister Jason Kenney to try to change the situation. Funding for the program was announced in the 2014 federal budget.
Feltham said he heard about the program and hopes it helps employers hire more people with intellectual disabilities.
“Try it. Go for it. Don’t be afraid. The worst thing is someone will say no. Just do your best,” he said, advising others to seek work.
“Not all employers and employees are the same, you have to help them understand and if they don’t, maybe it’s not the place for you and move on. But I do believe we should be out there more in the workforce. We can do it if you just give us a chance,” he said.