Spotlight Story - Kaylee Giles
Kaylee Giles pictured at the Buddy Walk 2021 event on October 9, 2021.
Kaylee Giles is a self-advocate in Columbus, Indiana. She is also a valued self-advocate board member at The Arc of Bartholomew County. Kaylee loves spending her free time reading series such as Harry Potter and Junie B. Jones. She enjoys exercising, especially taking walks and doing yoga. She is a huge animal lover, which is reflected in the impressive list of pets that she and her family have, including 3 cats (Big Mouth, Snooki, and Chili), 3 dogs, 5 chickens, a frog, and a hamster! Kaylee loves music, especially the band KISS (who she has a fan club for and even got to meet the band!). Kaylee has an amazing memory and loves spending time exploring Google Earth for new and interesting locations. She is also learning sign language!
After volunteering with a local child care center called “Kidz First Daycare and Preschool Ministry” since June of 2021, Kaylee was recently offered a paid position in August. She mostly works in the “Dino Room” of the child care center, which includes 3-to-4-year-old children. She is responsible for helping with snack/food time, reading books to the children, and planning activities. Kaylee also “pats their [the children’s] back while they’re napping”, showing her kind and nurturing spirit.
When asked why Kaylee is thankful for having a job, she expressed that she is glad that she is able to stay busy and occupy her time. She explained how she often felt mistreated by her classmates and some teachers during her time in school as a result of others misunderstanding her autism diagnosis. She explained that she did not want to go to school because of the mistreatment and misunderstanding she was faced with. Thankfully, Kaylee feels respected and valued at her new position at the child care center. She expressed that the children are encouraged to listen to her and follow her instructions, which she appreciates. Kaylee attributes her current position to her job coach who helped her find the opportunity to volunteer at the child care center, which progressed into an official, paid position.
Kaylee has stood strong through adversity that she has experienced in her life and has become strong, kind, and very caring; especially towards children. She explained that her dream job has always been to work at a child care center. Admirably, Kaylee’s hard work and dedication earned her an opportunity to fulfill that dream. She inspires others to be kind and remain positive, which we can all learn and benefit from.
Kaylee is a valued member of The Arc of Bartholomew County as a Self-Advocate Board Member and we have loved getting to know her and her family. If you want to learn more about The Arc of Bartholomew County and how we help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, visit our about page or send us a message through the contact form!
Kaylee (left) and her friend, Alexandra Schwarz (right), walking in support of the Columbus Area Down Syndrome Support Group at the Buddy Walk 2021 event.
