In life, there are times in which you meet a person for the first time and you instantly feel a connection, you want to know more about them; who they are.  This was my experience when I first met Mitch.  You see, when you first meet Mitch, he has a way of engaging you with his piercing blue eyes, a way of looking at you that you want to know more about him; his story.

Mitch was born on June 23, 1960.  He was diagnosed with Autism at an early age.  When Mitch was 11 or so, his parents began to look for a place for him to live.  His parents decided to put him in Camarillo’s program for the Autistic.  After a few years in that program, he went on to Katie’s School in Clovis until it closed then to Deverueux which was closed in 2005.  Mitch’s father remembered Jay Nolan and decided to contact them again.

Mitch became part of the Jay Nolan Supported Living Program in January 2006, he was 45 years old.  For the first time in his life Mitch came to experience what it was like to have a home of his own.  JNCS helped Mitch develop a support plan that would allow him to live in his own home and be part of his community as independently as possible with all the necessary  supports.

Almost immediately after developing a support plan Mitch got a part time job at Petco.  Less than 2 years later - Petco offered Mitch the opportunity to work more hours and he was thrilled!  With more hours came more responsibilities; Mitch began opening the aquatic department, feeding birds, building kennels, and bird cages, and helping customers.    Mitch also volunteers at a school library where he organizes books and puts them away; an ideal place to learn.  He received an appreciation award from the school for his volunteer work. 

In March 2007 Mitch received a certificate of recognition from the California Legislature Assembly for Employment Achievement Award and also a letter from governor Arnold Schwarzenegger congratulating him for receiving the award and inspiring many with disabilities to live full and enjoyable lives. 

Mitch is a very smart man who uses facilitated communication to express his thoughts and enrich his life. He has an appreciation for art and classical music (Mozart is his favorite) reading about history, and learning about astronomy. He has expressed a desire to volunteer at a Museum. He works out at the gym and participates with the Special Olympics swimming team. Mitch has a wonderful effect on people he has been told by his supervisor at the library that he inspires the kids to read better when they see him reading and working so hard.   With facilitated communication he has been able to tell people that he believes all people have “capabilities to live a good life”.