Alyssa Burnett Center Ambassadors: Advocates, Leaders and Community Builders

The Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center (ABC) celebrates Autism Acceptance Month by spotlighting its ABC Ambassador program, launched in 2024. This initiative empowers adults with autism and other disabilities to take on leadership roles, build skills and advocate for inclusion.

By Laura Rodrigues, program coordinator II at the Alyssa Burnett Center 

April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to celebrate the voices, contributions and leadership of individuals with autism.  At the Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center (ABC), as we provide opportunities for adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disorders, we are proud to highlight the impact of our ABC Ambassadors – student leaders who foster inclusion, build community connections and advocate for themselves and others.

The ABC Ambassador program was established in the summer of 2024 to provide active ABC students with an opportunity to take on leadership roles, gain volunteer experience and support the center’s mission. These Ambassadors commit to a year of service, during which they represent the ABC in various ways, from assisting with community events and leading tours to public speaking and sharing their experiences to community members.  Through these activities, they develop valuable skills in communication, teamwork and advocacy while making meaningful contributions to the ABC and beyond.

For many ABC Ambassadors, this role has been an opportunity to build on skills, discover new strengths and connect with others in ways they never expected.

"I’m a social butterfly, I love chatting with people and making new friends," says Katie T., who enjoys engaging with community members, such as during a tour in late March. “I helped with that tour, and I was awesome at it!”

Matthew L. finds joy in supporting at the ABC’s quarterly events: "Some highlights in my time as an Ambassador so far have been welcoming people to different events, like the ABC BBQ and the holiday hot cocoa party."

Beyond building social and leadership skills, the program also fosters a deep sense of fulfillment.

Praveen V. reflects on his motivation, saying, "I wanted to become an ABC Ambassador because I wanted to help out other people, and it makes me happy."

This spirit of generosity and advocacy is at the heart of the program, ensuring that Ambassadors not only gain experience but also make a lasting impact on those around them.

The importance of this program extends beyond the ABC Ambassadors themselves. By sharing their experiences and engaging in community events, they help break down barriers and create greater understanding around autism and neurodiversity.

Mechelle R. values the program’s role in disability advocacy, explaining: "I love being able to share my experience and create the space to have that discussion."

One such space is our partnership with the University of Washington Bothell class Disability Representation in Society, where ABC Ambassadors participated in a panel discussion to contribute to these university students’ education. Our ABC Ambassadors continually foster meaningful conversations about inclusion and representation, reinforcing the message that individuals with autism and other disabilities are leaders, change-makers and integral members of our communities.