by Kelli Donley Williams / Diane Wasley
I had the chance to meet Diane several years ago. She reached out to Will before an annual conference to see if someone would be her “buddy.” She was studying public health at NAU and wanted to attend and learn, but she is autistic and knew she’d be overwhelmed in the crowd. Diane is shy, and at times struggles to make decisions. She is also very bright and passionate about public health. Walking through the conference with a friend would make the experience easier.
This was the beginning of our friendship. Since, Diane and I have attended a handful of conferences and other events together. My husband and I were in Flagstaff in May to watch Diane walk across the stage to receive her bachelor’s in public health. We screamed as loud as we could in the busy stadium to show our support, but our voices (and my tears) couldn’t capture the pride we felt for her.
Graduation was just one milestone Diane has maneuvered with sheer persistence. I asked her what brought her to public health.
“I have been in healthcare classes since high school,” she said. Diane started with classes at the East Valley Institute of Technology, initially thinking she wanted to be an allergist or dietitian. “I have sensory issues with smells and touch and bodily fluids. Mostly at EVIT I learned job skills and medical terminology. I really like medical terminology and am good at it.”
She later went on to volunteer in pediatrics and did an internship at a special needs school.
“Working at the hospital, I met the employees that did community programs. There were two staff who had years of experience in public health. They inspired me. When I found the public health program at NAU online, I was excited because transportation to school was a barrier. I really liked my public health classes, so I guess I finally found the right place with my health interest. I like the idea of education and preventing disease.”
Diane and her twin sister live independently in Phoenix, however, are not able to drive. Reliable transportation has been a concern. Finding an online program was key to her success.
“My associate and bachelor’s degrees took about 16 years, so graduation from NAU was a huge accomplishment for me. The problem now is, I don’t know what to do. I see many jobs online I’d like to do, but the problem is that they are all full time.”
Because of Diane’s support service schedule for her physical and behavioral health, she needs a part time public health position.
“I have anxiety because I really want to do a good job at my job and want to like my job,” she says. It takes patience to work with the special needs population. I need things repeated a lot. I need things written down. I like a quiet environment. Structure is good. It is important to explain things.”
When I asked Diane what she’d like others working in public health to know about those with autism, she said, “Do not treat me differently. I am just like everyone else, but I learn and process information differently. We need to find a way that works for everyone with a disability.”
Diane is currently interning for the Special Olympics. “My dream job is to educate the healthcare world about working with patients with disabilities. I would like sensory rooms in healthcare facilities. I designed one for my previous internship. I got my dream internship at Special Olympics Arizona and I continue to be involved with them, but their jobs are full time and require a driver’s license.”
Diane is a voice for those in her community, including adults who have other developmental disabilities. “To change the system there is a lot I would do. There should be supportive affordable housing options. There should be more reliable transportation options such as a reduced price for Uber. It would be easier to access needed support.”
I encourage Diane to stay positive. I know anyone who can be this tenacious to finish her degree and find a way into the field she loves will find a good job. In the meantime, she is teaching me how individuals with disabilities see the world in a different, beautiful, useful light.
