Self Advocates: Meet Zachary Curtis

BY ANGIE ARLINGTON

“My name is Zach. I’m 27 years old, and I have autism. I live independently in my own apartment. I work at First Internet Bank. I’ve been employed with them since March 2017,” Zach Curtis shared.” His hobbies are reading, writing and running on a treadmill every day after work. He enjoys spending time with his friends, family and co-workers.

Zach’s road to becoming a self-advocate began years ago. “My freshman year of high school got off to a rocky start,” he recalled. “I didn’t want to go to school. School was really bad and at times I struggled making friends and at times was bullied by kids and adults that didn’t understand me or what Autism meant. Until a self-advocate advocates for themselves and others. Being a self-advocate has given me more self-esteem and self-confidence. It has helped me to get more speaking engagements and opportunities for Best Buddies and the other organizations I belong to.”

For many years, Zach has actively had leadership roles in Best Buddies, Special Olympics, Aktion Club, Thrive, Trinity Fellowship, Joseph Maley Foundation and the Arc of Indiana. “I enjoy speaking in front of people and educating parents, students, teachers and business people about what it’s like living with autism.”

Zach is active in his Church and was raised in a devoted strict Christian Household. He shares his wisdom for others, “You can do it, believe in yourself, and practice makes perfect. It is not always easy to do things out of your comfort zone. When I was little and much younger change was something that was difficult for me. As I got older I learned to reign it and suck it up and deal with it even though I deal with change better but still kinda have my days where I prefer things according to plan, but being a Self Advocate will allow you to grow and become a better you!” Thanks to my mother; Zenobia Curtis, she is my strongest advocate!

Zach’s goals for the future? “I’d like to go back to school to get my diploma. I want to get my driver’s license and have my own car. I also see myself being promoted within my company and making some good money.”