Testimonials and Stories of Hope

Featured Consumer Mickey Jordan

Despite the challenge of having autism, Mickey is pursuing his dream of a college degree and a career of his choice

My name is Mickey Jorden. I also have four Nicknames that my family and friends call me: Mickey D, Micktastic, Mick, and Mickster! I live in Olean, NY with my Mom, my brother, and my sister. My Mom works at Siemens. My Dad is a salesman at Irr Supply. My brother goes to Medaille College where he is a Junior. My sister is in Junior High School. I have three dogs, all girls. I have Daisy, Piper, and my service dog Ava. She helps alert my family when I have seizures. I also have a cat named Lacey at my Dad’s house.

Since I was a young child, I have wanted to be a sports coach. As an adult, I still want to be one. My favorite pastimes are walking my dogs, playing golf, announcing hockey, and anything to do with sports. My favorite travel destination was Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. I finally got to go watch my favorite college football team in 2021. It was a really fun experience for me. I am a huge sports fan. Some of my favorite teams are Virginia Tech College Football, the Buffalo Bills, the Buffalo Sabers, St. Bonaventure, and the NY Yankees.

My biggest goal in life is graduating from college and becoming a coach. Some causes that I am very passionate about are Autism Awareness and Down Syndrome Awareness. I do volunteer work as much as I can. I have volunteered by coaching for East Youth Football, by helping out at the SPCA, and I have also played in the Unified Special Olympics Basketball program at St. Bonaventure University

Some fun facts about me are that I know a lot about all 46 U.S. Presidents, and I can also tell you a lot of fun facts about them as well. If I had one wish, it would be that the Buffalo Bills would win a Superbowl! My friend Max has been a friend since my early childhood. We still get together as often as possible when we have breaks from college.

I started college the year after I graduated from High School. My teacher’s aid Tia helped me to prepare for my college experience since the first day she started helping me when I was in the 5th grade. When I first started college at Jamestown Community College where I am majoring in Sports Management, I had to do everything independently. Since then, my Transitions Support Specialists, Lexie and April have helped me so much by giving me opportunities to socialize and gain independence skills. They bring a lot of fun to my life, allowing me to take a break from the stress of school and becoming an adult. My dream is to walk across the stage like my Mom did when she graduated from JCC. My ten-year goal is to live on my own, independently, to be married, and to have the job of my dreams of being a coach. And of course, have my dogs with me all the way.

Mickey’s Mom adds, “Mickey's Autism has not deterred his zest for life. He has overcome many obstacles since getting the diagnoses. He pushed so hard in High School and graduated with a Regents Diploma. He was even voted King of Homecoming his Senior Year. He now attends JCC to pursue his Associates degree in Sports Management. He is doing this independently. This is the first time he has been without an aid and is doing amazing. I am so proud of him. His smile lights up the room. Everyone just loves him the first time they meet him. He is kind, caring, compassionate young man. His disability has not dulled his enthusiasm to make his dreams come true! Mickey is an amazing person, and I am so proud of the man he has become.”