AARON ROSS

Aaron serves on the Advisory Board of NSEAI.

Aaron is an active self advocate.

Education

Lower Merion High School, HS DIploma 2004 - Ardmore PA

The Vanguard School, Community-based Vocational training

PEAC - Pennsylvania Education for All Coalition, Presentations to Universities, Parent Groups and Peers about inclusion. Autism Self Advocate Leader and Speaker at conferences

NSEAI, Volunteer Faculty, focus inclusion and self advocacy

Clearview Cinema - Reel Cinemas - Anthony Wayne Theater 2005 - 2013

Employee Certificate of Achievement 2011 included New York Trip and National Award Banquet

2004 – 2005    Home Depot - Garden Center

G2002- 2004   Valley Forge Educational Services

Mail Delivery and Trash & Recycling Pickup

Aaron was not born with autism. When he was 2.5 years old he regressed after having a seizure after a vaccination and was diagnosed then. When he was 5 the school told his parents that he was "non-educable and needed to be institutionalized", because of the profoundness of his autism. He was basically non-verbal, since he only used one or two words.

Aaron's parents did not get any support from the county or school system, so they paid for private therapy for 10 years to get him to a functional level. Figure skating helped him the most, as the cross patterning helped him know where he was in space. Aaron and his parents worked very hard at his therapy. As most families who have a child with a disability, they are very isolated.

It is especially hard for students and athletes who “look normal”, as people expect them to be normal and don’t give them special consideration like they do with a child who looks physically different or for those with intellectual disabilities. Aaron was once so badly beaten at school - because he acted different - they broke the orbital bone around his eye. Aaron had no where to feel safe.

Aaron now fights for authentic inclusion and as a result he makes sure that the “normal” kids are not left out of the kids with disabilities activities either.

Aaron tries to create a leveling place socially, economically and emotionally. It doesn’t matter who you are and what you have achieved, we are all in the same place.

I am Aaron Ross and I am a Special Olympics Athlete

I used to roller skate and was rated 10^th in figures in the nation. I also was rated first in the northeast (nine states) in dance and figures. My friends got me involved in Special Olympics and in figure skating. I had few friends before joining Special Olympics, but now I have many all over the state.

I have lots of energy, so being in Special Olympics allows me to put that energy to good use in sports. I play softball, basketball volleyball and usually go to all three state games. I am also a fourth level figure skater and love to jump. I was selected to skate at the Gretchen Wilson Country on Ice Concert with eight U.S. Olympians, including Todd Eldrich and Karen Kadavey. Both of them were very supportive and helped me.

Since I have been in Special Olympics, I have learned to take jokes more easily. I used to take everything so personal and would break down every time. I love the athletes on my volley ball team and we act like clowns when we’re together. We call ourselves “the traveling circus.” I would not have those kinds of relationships without Special Olympics. They have taught me to take insults easier. It is still painful coming from outsiders, but is tolerable with the support of my friends. Special Olympics Pennsylvania is like a second family. I go out more now and do lots of different things, like traveling and going to new places. One word to describe SOPA is SUPPORTIVE. As a result, I feel more confident now.

My mission is to bring inclusion to everyone no matter what their issues are. Others helped me and I hope to help others. I worked at my church. I carried the cross and use to read the lessons. I also helped when we hosted homeless families. I play the violin and I like fiddle music and competed nationally. I have a large collection of movies. My favorites are dramas/comedy/action.

Aaron Ross presents,

"Black Hole of 21"

at a Legislative Breakfast 

Aaron talks to legislators about discrimination and poor quality services available for adults with Autism.