Samuel Capozzi Is Honored
Last week I introduced you to my friend, Samuel, who has autism – up until three years ago, he had no way to communicate. But now, his iPad has opened up the world and he’ll be heading to college this fall. Recently Samuel received the Awesome in Autism Individual Award. Take a minute and read the brief speech he gave to the audience through the ‘voice’ on his iPad – you’ll be blessed!
“Let us not be surprised when we have to face difficulties. When the wind blows hard on a tree, the roots stretch and grow stronger, let it be so with us. Let us not be weaklings, yielding to every wind that blows, but strong in spirit to resist.” —A quote by Amy Carmichael
As I stand here this evening I am both honored and humbled to be recognized as this year’s Awesome in Autism Individual of the Year. Good evening, my name is Samuel Capozzi and I have a diagnosis of autism. Living with autism hasn’t been easy for either me or my family; a fact well known by many families living with a diagnosis of autism. Autism awareness is important, however, I like the Autism Society’s recent plug to move from mere awareness to appreciation for the unique gifts and abilities of those on the autism spectrum. As you can see, I am mostly non-verbal which is why I’m using my iPad to help me deliver my speech this evening. Just because I am non verbal doesn’t mean I am non-thinking. For those of you who don’t know, I had a great breakthrough in my ability to communicate about 3 years ago. Since then, I have managed to make up for lost time in school, and I will graduate with honors this year with my diploma. We have worked extremely hard to make the necessary arrangements so I could take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and apply to colleges. Amazingly, I have been accepted to Cal State Channel Islands, California Lutheran University, and The Master’s College in Santa Clarita. I am passionate about being a voice for the voiceless and pioneering a path for those who face similar challenges that I do, who may come after me. As I understand it, I will be one of a few individuals, who have autism and communicate like I do, to attend college across the nation. I often chuckle at the irony of being a voice for the voiceless when I’m considered non-verbal! As I move forward, I’m excited about my aspirations and calling being actualized. Even more, I’m thrilled to be an example of what someone on the spectrum, who is not typically considered high functioning, may be capable of. My sincere gratitude for the nomination and award, but also to my faithful parents, and to the Lord Who’s strength is made perfect in my weakness.
Good night!
