In What Matters, the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council shares the stories of nine people across the state with disabilities who work and have meaningful days in their communities. Evan Bertrand, an AACPS Graduate and employee, and his family shared Evan’s own story of being supported by the school system for the publication.
Since the original publication of this story in June of 2019, Evan has begun to pursue a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance at the Washington Adventist University. Evan and his family are thrilled to see Evan be able to study his passion and recognize this opportunity as proof of what can be accomplished with the proper support. Evan continues to work part time at the Point Pleasant Resource Center with the team he loves.
(c) Photo by Jennifer Bishop & the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council.
Evan is an AACPS: Alum | Employee, Point Pleasant Resource Center
When Evan was diagnosed with autism as a toddler in 1995, his mother, Andrea, recalls his doctor’s grim words: “Go home and mourn the loss of a normal child.” Fortunately, Andrea then met the director of her local Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) early intervention program, who offered another memorable piece of advice: “You’ll have to invent Evan’s future.”
Fast forward 20 years full of creative and supportive teachers and therapists, and “Evan has become the man he was meant to be,” says Andrea. “He’s smart, funny, talented, and a hard worker.” He still has a significant disability – a language-processing disorder that makes verbal communication difficult – but thanks to assistance from his job coach and a personal support aide, he is enjoying a full life.
Evan works 32 hours a week at the AACPS early intervention resource center. He delivers mail, does data entry on the computer, and several times a day takes a break to play classical music on the piano in the lobby, entertaining himself and others. Music is Evan’s passion, and he is studying music composition at Anne Arundel Community College, where he also performs with a brass ensemble.
Evan’s job coach accompanies him to his job, and his personal support aide helps him at school. “I’m very excited to have this job where people rely on me,” Evan notes. “I want to do a great job more than anything.”
What is the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council?
As shared on their website, the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council is an independent, self-governing organization dedicated to advancing the inclusion of Marylanders with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life. The Council works in partnership with people with developmental disabilities and their families, as well as other individuals and organizations, to bring about lasting change.
Visit www.md-council.org for more information and resources from the Council to promote empowerment, opportunity, and inclusion.
