Spotlight Story— Austin Fields
Austin in his apartment, showing us his laundry process.
Austin’s Journey
Meet Austin Fields. Austin loves doing anything outdoors, especially swinging and swimming. In the warmer months, Austin and his family go to their house at Lake Hardy where Austin loves to swim, ride in the golf cart, and drive his pontoon boat (which no one else is allowed to drive). He also loves sports, including basketball and football. Austin enjoys volunteering during his free time, especially at the Love Chapel. He works at Love Chapel at least once a week and is often responsible for bagging food for donations.
Austin was diagnosed with autism, epilepsy, and blindness at a young age, making independence difficult to reach. However, Austin is an extremely determined young man and has an amazing support system that made his journey to independence possible. Austin is a remarkable example of someone who works hard to overcome challenges, all of which led to his ability to move out of his parents’ house and get his own apartment at only 20! Austin expressed interest in moving out for 2-3 years before it happened after noticing that his peers were moving out of their family homes and set out to show his parents that he was serious about achieving his dream. He expressed that the best part of having his own apartment is getting deliveries, such as groceries and restaurant take-out. When living with his parents, he was unable to order deliveries as they lived in the country. Austin picked all of the furniture and decorations for his new apartment which he began collecting months before moving out. He knew exactly what he wanted for his apartment and expressed his ability to be independent by making decisions about his décor and furniture entirely by himself.
Austin’s Support System
Austin’s parents, Jennifer and Wendell, were very anxious for him to move out, especially his father. They had told Austin that he could move out when he was 25, which he did not agree with. Therefore, he worked very hard to prove to his parents that he was ready move out and accomplished his dream 5 years ahead of their initial time plan. After seeing Austin’s determination and dedication, they decided that Austin could apply for a wait list at a local apartment complex. When Austin got the call that an apartment was available after being on a wait list for many months, Jennifer exclaimed “I can’t breathe!”. Austin found his mother's reaction to be hilarious and even teased her about it during our interview. Despite their worry and hesitation, they knew that moving out was what Austin wanted and would be good for him. They put their anxieties aside and helped him in his mission, taking him to purchase things for his new home and adjusting to an entirely new routine that allowed Austin to be independent.
Jennifer and Wendell have worked tirelessly since Austin was young to help him to reach this milestone and achievement. For example, when Austin was young and required expensive medication, Wendell worked multiple jobs to afford necessary treatment and to ensure that Austin had everything that he needed. Their selfless love and dedication to Austin is evident through all of the ways that they had fought for him, his health, and his best interest, regardless of how difficult it was for them. Though they would rather have Austin home with them, they knew that moving out was what was best for him.
Austin has also received genuine and valuable support through the Columbus Austin Network where he has met many of his closest friends. Jennifer explained that she has also benefitted from the group, expressing that she is grateful for the family that she has gained and how the other parents in the group understand what she has gone through. They participate in many activities and offer advice, information, and care to other parents who are in need of support.
Advice to Others
When asked what Jennifer would say to parents of children who are seeking independence and hope to move out on their own, she advised, “Let them do it and don’t let your fear hold them back”. Though she understands the worries and anxiety that comes with a child moving out, especially when a child has health concerns, she knows that she and her husband will not be around forever and needed Austin to learn how to take care of himself. While this caused a great deal of anxiety for Jennifer and Wendell at the time, they know that they will be able to rest in the knowledge that he will be okay and taken care of after they are gone.
To make the transition of Austin moving out easier on everyone, Austin’s parents made his apartment extremely accessible and practical. They utilize advanced technology, such as an Amazon Alexa Device that is connected to his phone and appliances (microwave, thermometer, heater, etc.), allowing him to independently communicate with others, prepare food, control the temperature in his apartment. The apartment complex also added an emergency button that Austin can press if he is in need of help, which alerts his neighbors. Their dedication to making Austin’s apartment accessible has brought peace to their anxieties of not having Austin at arm’s reach and allows him to achieve his dream of independence. Jennifer advises parents and caregivers to equip their children with similar tools and resources if possible, as it makes everyone’s life easier.
Austin signing up for the wait list at his future apartment complex.
Austin on moving day, excited to get the keys to his very own apartment.
Austin’s first time hosting a get-together with his friends at his new apartment.
Expert Host: Austin prepared snacks and drinks for his friends as they visited his apartment for the first time.
