Meet Victoria B.
Drumming up change: Championing self-advocacy through music
Victoria B., 33
National Disability Employment Awareness Month emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for people like me, with disabilities, to have jobs, be independent and thrive.
Legendary Jamaican musician, Bob Marley, once said, “one good thing about music is that when it hits you, you feel no pain.” Self-advocate and professional musician Victoria B. has been using music to self-soothe for as long as she can remember, and for the last several years, she’s been helping others do the same through her own music.
Victoria was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, and music soon became a defining part of her life. It offered the Chicago native not only a means of self-expression but a way to connect with others, which she often found challenging due to her diagnosis. Her journey with West African drumming began when a high school administrator, recognizing his passion for music, gifted her a djembe, a rope tuned goblet drum, as a graduation present.
That moment sparked a deep love for the djembe and inspired her to share the joy it brought to her life with others. Realizing that opportunities for people with disabilities to engage in music were limited, Victoria set out to make a difference through her work. She began teaching West African drumming to students with disabilities, motivated by a desire to address the lack of inclusive programs.
“The ability to share my gift of music brings joy and peace. To share my life experiences through music is what makes it special. The great thing about teaching West African drumming is there is no gender, race, creed. The sound of the drums brings people together.”
Are you a job seeker in searching for your employment calling, but don’t know where to start? Autism Speaks has got you covered with our Employment Tool Kit. It provides tools and tips for planning and preparing for employment, including an overview of career options, resume and interview advice, disclosure and accommodation requests and the legal rights afforded those with disabilities.
Learn more about Victoria and her journey in this Q&A:
When did you first begin to understand your autism, and how did that realization affect your experiences growing up and your relationship with others?
I honestly didn’t fully understand what it meant to be autistic until my early 20's. Growing up, I found it difficult making and keeping friends, often missing social cues, like understanding sarcasm or knowing if someone was my friend or not. I received speech therapy through the Chicago public school system for about a year and a half, but it took me seven years before I could fully talk. I realized I prefer to play alone and keep to myself. I remember when I was younger, I would rock my head back and forth. My family didn't talk about my autism much, so as I got older, I learned to advocate for myself. That’s why I’m passionate about the work that I do today.
How does your autism make you unique?
I am not afraid to be myself and I use my autism as my superpower to inspire people to find their gifts and talents through African drumming.
What are some of your biggest strengths?
I have a great memory. I pay attention to details and I’m very punctual. I’m ambitious and determined to achieve my goals and dreams. I’m also a gifted musician who plays the djembe and shares that gift with others.
What is the best advice you can give to other autistic adults looking for a job or figuring out what they want to do with their life?
The best advice I’ve received is to never give up, stay true to myself, and stay strong and keep going. Building on that, I’d tell other autistic people: figure out what you truly want to do in life and never settle for less. Never limit yourself or allow anyone to limit your strengths. Find something you are passionate about and turn it into a career. Start small and work your way up – it’s okay to work in retail, be a server, or a janitor. Every job is a steppingstone. Be willing to learn new things and put yourself out there.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate people on the lack of jobs for people with disabilities and to promote more resources and job fairs that can help bridge that gap. With only one in five people with disabilities employed, it’s clear that much more needs to be done, and this month can help drive that change.
Why is it important to you to open up about your story and share your diagnosis?
Sharing my story and diagnosis is important because it can inspire others with disabilities to embrace their true selves. By being open about my experiences, I hope to encourage others not to be afraid of being autistic and to share their own journeys. You never know who you might inspire – by offering encouragement, I believe we can help others overcome challenges and achieve what they once thought was impossible.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of taking my career in African drumming to the next level by teaching African drumming on a full-time basis and performing with various music artists around the world. I am also proud of collaborating with fourteen other autistic artists on an album called Stars of the Spectrum. I am also proud to represent the autism community in the all-female drum and dance group Ayodele Drum and Dance. To represent women, youth, and the disability community is an amazing accomplishment. We are only going up from here.
Have you found resources or support networks that have been helpful? Can you share organizations or communities that have supported you?
Since my diagnosis, I've found several resources and support networks that have been incredibly helpful. Organizations like Autism Speaks provide valuable resources and support that allow people with autism to be their authentic selves. Collaborating with like-minded people and organizations has been a great way for me to create positive change and feel connected to a community that understands and values my experience.
What does being fearless mean to you?
To be fearless as an autistic adult means to never set limitations to yourself and live your life to the fullest without fear or worry because God got you!
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