Topeka — A former Lawrence teen will be making history this month as a congressional page, it was announced Monday by U.S. Rep. Nancy Boyda, D-Topeka.
According to Boyda, Benjamin Eric Berlin, 16, will become the first person with autism to serve in the page program, which began 181 years ago in 1827.
Berlin, who attends Shawnee Heights High School, said he was looking forward to participating in the three-week program to show people in Washington "that people in Kansas aren't just a bunch of hayfield people."
At a news conference at the Easter Seals Capper Foundation, Berlin's mother, Mari White, described her son as an easygoing young man whose motto since he was child has been "different is good."
Berlin has Asperger's syndrome, which is considered a milder form of autism. People with Asperger's syndrome usually function in the average to above average intelligence range, but often have difficulty with social skills and engage in restrictive and repetitive behavior.
Berlin attended Riverside and Deerfield schools in Lawrence before moving to Topeka. He contributed as a writer to the Lawrence Journal-World as a member of the paper's Teen Advisory Board.
He has also been through the Kansas Youth Leadership Academy, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and the Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library, and has served as a page in the Kansas Statehouse, working for Sen. Anthony Hensley and Rep. Ann Mah, both Topeka Democrats.
He was selected for the congressional page program by a board based on an essay, extracurricular activities, character and motivation. The board included representatives from Kansas, Kansas State, Pittsburg State and Washburn universities.
"Ben did not get this chance because he was autistic. Ben got the chance because he was extremely involved, mature and caring, and he demonstrated that to everyone that was around him," Boyda said.
But Boyda said that as a page Berlin will be able to show others how people deal with disabilities.
In a prepared statement, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., praised the selection of Berlin.
"Congress is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in this historic learning experience," Pelosi said.
Berlin said he was looking forward to working, getting paid and seeing the sights of the nation's capital. His primary duties will be delivering correspondence and legislative materials, and answering telephones and taking messages.
His mother, White, said she was apprehensive about Berlin being away from home for so long, but thought it would be good preparation for college life in a couple of years.
Berlin credited his mother for her support.
"If it weren't for her, I would be just another bump on the log," he said.
Comments
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peachesncream (anonymous) says…
Great Job Ben , do we see a president in the making in a few years? That would be wonderful. Best of luck Ben.
Informed (anonymous) says…
Congratulations, Ben! It's obvious that you will never be "just another bump on the log."
Confrontation (anonymous) says…
Sounds like a great kid!
jasonc_22 (anonymous) says…
very cool...congrats!
partnersinpolicy (anonymous) says…
Good Job Ben........Congratulations this is an awesome opportunity!!! I am sure we will be seeing more of you in the news!!!! Have fun, and take your mom....she deserves it!!!
ksdivakat (anonymous) says…
Congrats Ben!!! People like you make living in Kansas a great state! Good luck and have lots of fun with this.....and hopefully someday, we will see you in an elected position!
beatle919 (Marcy McGuffie) says…
Congratulations, Ben! You may remember me as Ms. McCabe from your last year at Riverside. You've done well for yourself (and I'm not surprised). Way to go!!!
BigPrune (anonymous) says…
That was a good political move for Boyda. At least she'll go down in history for doing one positive thing, but truly good people do good things for others without having to make it a headline- then you know they are genuine and good.
kansanjayhawk (anonymous) says…
I am glad that Boyda cares about those with autism who are born and living? I am not so confident that she has care or concern for the unborn children with autism who are regularly being aborted in the United States. Her pro-abortion anti-family agenda is clouded by her act of kindness or perhaps political expediency???
murphy59 (anonymous) says…
You can't screen for autism.
Eurekahwk (anonymous) says…
Let me say that autism does not mean mental retardation. I befriended an autistic kid who was my age when I was eleven years old. He can't talk, but he can relate his wants, feelings. When I go over there, he is always really giddy to see me. I always get a hug. We are now 27. My classmates and I learned in grade school that some autistic kids are extremely gifted. Heck, maybe nature's joke was to lock the secrets of health and life inside of those who would be smited.
seiferte (anonymous) says…
While this is a great opportunity for this young man, I'm disappointed to see that the writer of this article wasn't aware of person-first language; that is, identifying the person as that--a PERSON, not as a disability. "Autistic teen" labels the student by his disability. "Teen with autism" is more appropriate, as it identifies him as a person. Perhaps a thought to keep in mind for future articles...