What’s in a name? A lot, for local Greece photographer Sam Maloney. As a member of the autism community himself, Maloney, 20, knows that mainstream awareness isn’t always enough. That’s why he’s launching a national campaign to shift language from ‘awareness’ to ‘acceptance.’
“Are they going to hire me?” Sam explains. “Are they going to accept me, work with me, put my differences aside?”
He was scheduled to start a cross-country tour last March, spreading his message and meeting others in the autism community to share his story and listen to theirs. Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic put those plans on hold.
Not to be deterred, though, Sam and his mother are continuing to fundraise for the trip and their National Campaign, Autism on US Routes 11 and 20 through an extensive can and bottle drive. So far, they’ve collected 28,000 cans – and they’re still at it. For him, the drive isn’t just about raising money, it’s also about education and continuing the much-needed conversation about autism acceptance.
Anyone interested in donating can give directly to Upstate Bottle Return by mentioning Sam Maloney, or they can email contact@sammaloneyphotography.com
The project can also be found on Facebook through the group “Autism on US Routes 11 and 20.” https://www.facebook.com/groups/794182237354874/
Provided Information and Photo
