My little sister’s name is Kibi. When she was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3, I didn’t fully understand what that meant. I just knew Kibi was different. As a kid, I didn’t fully comprehend why we couldn’t play with each other the way other siblings did. She’s nonverbal, and I didn’t know how to reach her. But overtime, we developed our own ways of communicating. Our journey as sisters is one of discovery, challenges, and immense love.

Kibi’s smile and laughter are contagious, and she lights up any room she enters. She loves swimming, dancing, running, playing the piano, and watching cartoons. She has a way of reminding everyone around her to appreciate the simple joys of life. Yet, navigating life with autism hasn’t always been easy, especially when trying to find the right services and support. English isn’t our parents’ first language, so they’ve faced extra hurdles when advocating for her, but they didn’t give up.

In 2023, I took on the challenge of helping Kibi transition into the the Self-Determination program. I took the time to learn everything I could about SDP, person-centered planning, and independent facilitation. I created a plan tailored to her unique strengths and goals, coordinated services, and advocated for her every step of the way. My sister is now in her second year of SDP and is thriving more than ever. Her success in this journey caught the attention of her coach and service coordinator, who referred me for formal independent facilitation training.

Now, I help others with disabilities reclaim their power and chose the life they want to live.