Social Worker Author and Motivational Speaker Chally Guest on WSPY Fox Valley Today

I was a guest on WSPY TV 30's Fox Valley Today with Anne Vickery. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This year's theme was inclusion. It's hard to feel included in the workforce when I've been unemployed longer than I've been working. That's why WSPY and Anne thought it was important for their listeners and viewers to hear my story. The first half of this segment discusses my educational and work history,
As you'll hear, I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from Aurora University in 2006 (graduating summa cum laude).  I am a Licensed Social Worker with my Type 73 in School Social Work and I've got valuable skills worth mentioning. 
​First, for clients on the autism spectrum, I have knowledge and experience writing social stories. I also have first-hand knowledge and experience linking clients who have special needs with information and resources with regard to transportation, adaptive equipment, home health equipment or other community resources available in the area that they may need.  In addition to working in the schools, I have experience in the mental health field. In these environments, I gained knowledge and experience in facilitating different treatment groups, working as a member of a larger treatment team, as well as providing case management and individual counseling.  
Yes it's true that I don't have a driver's license, but I am confident that this will not prevent me from performing the essential functions of a position with or without an accommodation, should I be given the opportunity. My personal and professional experience working with individuals diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorders makes me a uniquely qualified candidate for employment.
In second half of the segment we discuss what my book is about and also the important work of Canine Companions for Independence. In addition to trying to find a job as a social worker and writing my book, I also do motivational speaking. Therefore, I'm interested in sharing my story with local libraries, schools, boy scouts, girl scouts, women's groups, churches etc. in Kendall, Kane and DuPage Co. If you'd like me to speak at a location near you, please e-mail me. Thanks!