In 2016, Shed joined Urban Autism Solutions. He is a current student at Al Raby High School. Before his experience with Urban Autism Solutions, Shed struggled with academics but always had a great interest in helping others and a natural love for animals. His journey at UAS began at our Growing Solution Farm where he learned transferable job skills and excelled in a structured work environment. He also gained self-confidence, speech and language skills and was always willing to go the extra mile.
As the Urban Autism Solutions (UAS) team would speak with Shed about his goals for the future, a recurring theme emerged – Shed wanted to work with dogs. A proud owner of two dogs himself, Shed knew the importance of caring for dogs, giving them love, walks, food and water and wanted to turn his passion into a job.
Today, Shed is employed as a dog caretaker at K9 University and Washdog Chicago. The manager at K9 University, Ruby, says that Shed is always ready to work, thoughtful, and overall a wonderful attribution to the team.
See Shed in action on ABC's Washdog Chicago feature with Hosea Sanders!
The story of Shed is made possible through our community of supporters. With donations, UAS was able to provide Shed with the staff and tools to develop a person-centered plan, which included work with graduate students in Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and a job coach that helped Shed navigate his employment. Please consider contributing to our mission, your gift will help change outcomes for young adults with autism. Donate here.