By Nicholas Mastrella, NACDD Spring 2024 Policy Intern
Hi, I’m Nick Mastrella. As a Policy Intern at NACDD during my last semester of my undergraduate education, I embarked on a journey that has been incredibly special and truly life changing. This internship experience is not just my first step into the world of politics; it is also an opportunity for me to share my experience living with autism. My involvement has ranged from participating in advocacy coalition meetings to attending subcommittee hearings, and now, speaking at the United States Capitol for the Capitol Hill Developmental Disabilities Resource Fair. These experiences, among many others, have made my time here in Washington D.C. truly remarkable.
Overcoming Challenges by Finding Strength in My Support
Adjusting to a new city like Washington D.C., finding a new daily routine, and tackling completely new tasks at work over these past two months has been quite difficult, but facing challenges is something I have been doing my whole life. From an early age, many doubted I could achieve milestones like graduating high school, going to college, getting a job, or living on my own. In my adolescence, I was isolated in the corner of the classroom with an instructional aide, away from my classmates, reinforcing the belief that I could not navigate life like my peers.
However, my mother’s belief in me never wavered. She tirelessly sought ways to improve my social skills and manage my sensory sensitivities. Her unwavering support has propelled me to where I am now: two months away from the very bachelor’s degree I was assured I would never obtain, doing well at an internship where I am part of incredible work.
Moving away from home did not mean losing my support network. In college, professors went out of their way to offer encouragement, recognizing my struggles and helping me adapt. Now in D.C., the staff of NACDD has been incredibly supportive, welcoming me with open arms. They’ve played a crucial role in helping me adjust and face new challenges, always there to offer guidance and understanding when things get tough. Their support has been key in helping me navigate this new chapter of my life, and imparting lessons on me I will carry into the professional world.
Building your own support network
At SUNY Oneonta, I was surprised to there wasn’t a club centered around neurodiversity, so along with two other students, we decided to start one. Though it took effort to establish, the Neurodiversity Club is now a thriving part of campus life with ten members and active involvement in campus events. This experience showed me that while building a support network might seem daunting, there’s a genuine public interest in creating spaces for support. Overcoming the fear of judgment is a big step, but as understanding grows, so does the community ready to embrace it.
Advocacy in the government
While activism at the local level is phenomenal, the place of highest importance for pushing national efforts for our cause within the federal government. That’s where all the broadest decisions are made that can either boost our efforts or slow us down. When I first landed in D.C., it was an eye-opener to see how active the disability rights movement is federal policy.
For the activism I have been a part of here in D.C., Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-6) and Congresswoman Marc Molinaro (NY-19) have really stood out, especially during the Capitol Hill Developmental Disabilities Resource Fair, held in March 2024 for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Congresswoman Dingell was vital in securing the venue for the resource fair and navigating challenges surrounding accessibility of the event. She also delivered a passionate speech about the importance of legislation related to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
Congressman Marc Molinaro’s appearance and speech at the fair were particularly memorable for me. He shared about his ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative from Dutchess County, NY, which encourages communities to embrace inclusivity and see disability through a new lens. What is remarkable about Congressman Molinaro is his knack for uniting people across different backgrounds and political beliefs. He is known for putting the task at hand above political differences, reaching across the aisle with ease to foster cooperation on disability rights issues. His ability to focus on practical outcomes and bring together diverse groups for a common cause is not just inspiring; it’s a lesson in leadership. Hearing him speak, it was clear he embodies the kind of bipartisan spirit and dedication to progress that can truly make a difference.
The participation of Congresswoman Dingell and Congressman Molinaro reinforced my belief that when we come together, understanding can lead to real and positive changes in our society. Being that we are in an era of oppressive partisanship, this inspiring realization has given me hope that regardless of the political landscape, good people are out there that will advocate for what is right; whether they are a member of congress or working within their own community.
Lessons Learned
My life’s journey has taught me that support and self-belief can transform lives. While autism is part of my story, it does not define me; I am defined only by my own self view and progress, not my diagnosis. This perspective is ever-changing, highlighting the importance of not letting a diagnosis define your identity. Practicing self-forgiveness and extending that forgiveness to others are crucial steps that enable both personal and communal growth. On the point of communal growth, I urge everyone to utilize support networks laid out by DD councils and to pioneer new ways to support those with I/DD. Let’s continue to support each other, demonstrating to the world the incredible strength and capabilities of those with autism – so that our successes are no longer a pleasant surprise, but an expectation.
