A Note from Derek

I live in Dana Point.
I like to cook dinner at my condo. I like painting and pottery.
I like coloring books with my nieces, Avery and Blair.
I like going to the movie theatre with Kendall.
I like going out to dinner at Coyote Grille with my family.
I love to play music on my phone. My favorite song right now is “All For You” by Sister Hazel.
I love to watch movies.
I miss Donna and Hank when they are in Costa Rica! I love you sweetheart - to Donna! I love you too buddy - to Hank!
I like being independent.
I like to help people.
Do you want to help people be independent?
Do you want to make waves?
I hope you have a wonderful day! I hope to see you again soon!
Love, Derek Roth

Thoughts From Kristyn

Yesterday, I sat down with Derek to ask him some questions about living independently:
What do you like? What’s challenging? Are you lonely? Do you need more help?
I gave him yes/no/sometimes/both options, and multiple choice answers. We took notes, and then I suggested we put it all together. He told me he wanted to type it all out by himself.
It is striking how those core pillars - family, hobbies, independence, and community - are truly the great equalizers of the human experience.
When you strip away the labels, everyone is essentially looking for the same thing: a sense of belonging and connection. There is a certain elegance in that simplicity. It reframes the conversation from "how do we support this specific person?" to "how do we help this person achieve the universal things we all want?"
Throughout our discussion, he shared that he liked his routine, enjoyed working at a grocery store, and that he wanted the chance to do more activities. He loves where he lives, and being able to run, swim, clean, and watch his favorite movies. He loves the freedom to choose what makes him happy.

For years, Make Waves Family Foundation has supported Autism Society Inland Empire and its programs that allow Autistic adults to live fully. As a leader in their community, Executive Director, Beth Burt, and her team tackle life’s hardest challenges like, employment, first responder training, safety programming, complex healthcare needs, and more. By collaborating with disability councils, regional centers, like-minded non-profits, first responder organizations, state politics, and more, they are tackling systems to create better opportunities for everyone in the Autism community; from those who are struggling with food insecurity among immigrant communities, to others with financial means and broader stability.
Make Waves is proud to triple match any gift during April, so that we can continue to support these life-changing programs. These changes don’t happen overnight, they rely on patience, persistence, and compassion to truly break down systemic barriers. We know that the Autism Society Inland Empire is the right partner to lead the charge. 

(Image: Roth family with Dr. Margaret Bauman, center, and Beth Burt, far right, from Autism Society Inland Empire.)