SUNY Orange Bridges students speak as legislature proclaims April Autism Awareness Month in Orange County

Members of SUNY Orange’s Bridges program introduced themselves to the Orange County Legislature on April (date not specified) as the Legislature issued a proclamation recognizing April as Autism Awareness Month in Orange County.

The presentations and the proclamation came during the Legislature’s recognition portion of the meeting. The students described internships and career goals and said the program had helped them build job and life skills.

Michael Provincial, a third-year Bridges student at SUNY Orange, said he has been working at Legoland for four years and described tasks he performs in his internship, saying, “I have learned that I'm responsible, compassionate, and very friendly.”

Carlos Rodriguez, also a third-year Bridges student, told legislators he is pursuing work as an artist and described duties at his campus bookstore internship, including unpacking inventory and organizing garments. Maya Bailey said she hopes to work as an animal caretaker and listed retail skills learned during an internship at Sunshine Studios. Peter Eagleton said he is interested in teaching music and art to adults and that his bookstore internship is teaching him customer service. Erin Donnelly said she hopes to teach young children and outlined experience from an internship at a therapeutic horseback-riding center.

The presenters were introduced by a Bridges program staffer named Sarah Wilbur, identified in the remarks as the program’s assistant director and academic coordinator. A county official presented a signed proclamation recognizing Autism Awareness Month in Orange County and praised SUNY Orange and program staff for their work supporting students with developmental differences.

Legislators and the presenter noted community partners that host internships and said such partnerships help students develop employment skills and independence. The remarks highlighted New York State Special Olympics participation (14 swimmers recently competed at Marist College) and the upcoming 50th anniversary event for New York State Special Olympics at West Point later in April.

The program’s founding organization, Orange County Think Differently, was named during remarks as working to build inclusive employment and internship opportunities for people who learn or work differently. The students and presenters invited legislators and others to talk with them after the meeting about career interests and potential internships.

The Legislature then proceeded to its regular agenda of resolutions and votes.