Aspergian Pride

Democratic Rep. Nancy Boyda of Topeka, Kansas, recently announced the selection of 16-year-old Benjamin Eric Berlin to the congressional page program. He attended the Kansas Youth Leadership Academy, gained experience serving as a page for two Kansas state legislators, and will become the first person with an autism spectrum diagnosis to serve in the congressional page program. He was selected for the congressional page program by a board based on an essay, extracurricular activities, character and motivation. As reported by the Lawrence Journal-World:

“Ben did not get this chance because he was autistic. Ben got the chance because he was extremely involved, mature and caring, and he demonstrated that to everyone that was around him,” Boyda said.

But Boyda said that as a page Berlin will be able to show others how people deal with disabilities.

In a prepared statement, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., praised the selection of Berlin.

“Congress is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in this historic learning experience,” Pelosi said.