Me Before

William and a woman sewing at a table

2011-2014, I went to Oasis, I sewed quilts and pillows until Oasis shut down.

In 2018, I painted, and went to A work program called Ideate. I could only go to Ideate 1-2 days a week.

In February 2019, I made a choice. I wanted to go to Utility Works. Utility Works is an art studio I rent by myself. I hired Erin to help me when I'm there.

Me Now

William smiles. The blue background of this picture includes colorful painted stars

I paint, sew, work on graphic design, make cartoons and clocks. I go to Utility Works 3 days a week with Erin.

In 2020, I won a SARTAC Fellowship.

With SARTAC, SAU1, Drexel University, and Vision for Equality, I am planning an Art show and Workshops to help people like me.

Me in the future

William stands next to a smiling woman who holds a gift

I want to continue going to Utility Works. I want to live in an apartment in Lansdowne by myself.

I am working with Drexel University to maybe teach art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and be a judge on an art show at the Philadelphia Airport.

I made a choice, my life, my way. Is it better when everyone has a choice?

Tell me what YOU think!

William sits at a table with hand-crafted items including clocks for sale

William stands in a room with storage shelves and containers

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About the Project

This project is supported by a grant from the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council; in part by grant 2001PASCDD-02, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.

For more information about PDS

Contact us at pdss@temple.edu.

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