Having Awesome
Before Hannah ever stood on the steps of the Michigan Capitol to speak about mental health and disability, or sold her artwork at craft shows across the country, she summed herself up in six words:
“Hi, I’m Hannah. I have awesome.”
Today, Hannah is an advocate for her community, especially for people like her who have autism. She is an artist, a small business owner, a longtime library employee, and a woman who leads with confidence, creativity, and purpose. Her story isn’t about overcoming autism. It’s about discovering her abilities and letting them shine.
“She’s always known she wanted to use her voice,” her mom Becky says. “Even when she was little, you could tell she had something important to say.”
Finding Her Voice
Hannah was diagnosed with autism as a young child, at a time when awareness and resources were limited. Her mom and dad, Becky and Jon, remember how hard it was to be heard.
“I couldn’t get anyone to take my concerns seriously,” Becky says. “I was asked if I was reading to her enough, or spending enough time with her. It felt like everything was my fault.”
Hannah was largely nonverbal as a toddler. After briefly using words, she stopped speaking altogether. Through therapy and steady support, she slowly began communicating again, and showing the world her awesomeness.
“When she started talking, that’s when she began saying, ‘I have awesome,’” Becky says. “We never corrected her. We didn’t want to take that away.”
What emerged was a young woman who found her voice and wanted to use it to help others.
“She’s always been clear that she wants to advocate,” Becky says. “She wants to be a voice for people like her.”
The Super Power of Creativity
Hannah’s super power is creativity (with a mix of self-expression).
A therapist once suggested art as a way to help Hannah manage anxiety. That suggestion sparked something bigger than anyone expected. At a local art studio, Hannah began experimenting with designs, eventually creating colorful, handcrafted pieces. Made from new silverware, she wraps them with wire adorned with stone and glass beads to make decorative serving pieces for holidays. She even takes custom orders to match with kitchen colors.
Then someone asked to buy one.
“That happened a few times,” Becky says. “Finally I said, ‘Maybe this is more than a hobby.’”
It was.
Today, Hannah runs her own crafting business Hannah Joy Spectrum Designs, traveling to shows across Michigan and beyond. Her artwork is sold in a few stores, many of them dedicated to showcasing artists with disabilities.
But, the business is secondary. The expression, advocating for people like her, is what drives Hannah. “She doesn’t just sell art,” Jon says. “She shares her story every time someone stops at her table.”
Those moments often become emotional.
“Almost every show, someone tells us their child was just diagnosed or that they needed to see Hannah that day, that she inspired them,” Becky says. “Hannah loves that. She loves inspiring people.”
Work, Independence, and Pride
Hannah’s self-expression has expanded her independence.
For eight years, Hannah has worked at her local library, showing up consistently and taking pride in her role. “She wants people to see what she can do,” Becky says. “She wants to be known for her abilities.”
Hannah also works in her church nursery and helps care for children. She is clear about one thing. “She wants people to know she’s capable,” Becky says. “And she is.”
Support from Easterseals MORC has been a constant for Hannah and her family.
“When we moved to Michigan, we knew we needed help,” Becky says. “I called before we even found a house. We met with schools before we met with a realtor.”
Through Easterseals MORC, the family accessed care coordination, respite services, and ongoing guidance as their children transitioned into adulthood. Those services provided stability during overwhelming moments and helped the family plan for the future.
“Respite care was huge for us,” Jon says. “It gave us space to breathe and take care of our marriage. That kind of support changes everything.”
As Hannah grew older, Easterseals MORC continued to support the family through service navigation and advocacy, helping them understand options and access the right supports at the right time.
“Having someone walk alongside you makes all the difference,” Becky says. “You don’t feel so alone.”
Because of funding for services like Easterseals MORC, Hannah was able to grow into adulthood with support that respected her dignity, encouraged her independence, and centered her strengths.
A Voice That Reaches Beyond One Story
Hannah’s advocacy eventually led her to the steps of the Michigan Capitol, where she delivered a ten-minute speech addressing mental health and disability stigma.
Many people would struggle with that kind of attention. Most would find it difficult to express themselves in such a personal way. But, Hannah thrived. “She was calm, confident, and powerful,” Becky says. “She knew exactly why she was there.”
That moment didn’t surprise her parents.
“Hannah has always known her story matters,” Jon says. “She believes her voice can help other people.”
This Ability
Hannah once introduced herself by saying, “I have awesome.” She was right.
Her creativity shows up in her art, her work, and her advocacy. It shows up every time she shares her story and helps someone else feel seen.
Because of funding for services like Easterseals MORC, Hannah was able to grow into adulthood with dignity, independence, and support that centered her strengths.
When you support Easterseals MORC, you help people like Hannah turn their ability into impact.
