AHRC NYC Marks Autism Acceptance Month
Vincent Feng with his parents outside the Capitol building
Bin Feng never imagined his son, Vincent, holding a job or advocating in Washington, D.C.
“Sometimes, I have to pinch myself,” Bin says. Vincent, 24, has autism. He has worked with AHRC New York City’s Hudson River Services for more than three years. As a porter, Vincent is proud to be part of a team responsible for maintaining the New York City Department of Transportation sign shops in Maspeth, Queens.
“He’s happy,” Bin says. “We’re happy. Everybody is happy.”
The job provides an environment where Vincent is not easily distracted. He prefers to keep to himself while working with the support of an AHRC NYC job coach. Bin and his wife, Jenny Wen, trained Vincent to travel independently from his family’s home in Queens, taking two buses and two subways to the job.
Hudson River Services Uniform Shirt
Vincent and his parents traveled to the Capitol recently for Autism Advocacy Forums. Vincent is a member of Autism Speaks’ Volunteer Advocacy Group. Attendees were encouraged to wear blue, the color for supporting autism. Vincent didn’t have a blue shirt which he liked, so he wore his Hudson River Services blue uniform shirt.
Vincent Feng on the job with AHRC New York City’s Hudson River Services
“It received an overwhelming response from Congressional members and their staff,” Bin says, adding that they met U.S. Rep. Grace Meng of Queens and a staff member from the office of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. “Many people saw Vincent as a living example of what’s possible for young adults when they receive the support they need to work.”
Vincent brings lots of enthusiasm to work, says Kaine Brown, an AHRC NYC Job Coach. “I always see Vincent smiling. He’s happy to be there and has a positive attitude.”
Advocating for Son and Others in Community
Bin immigrated to New York City from China 38 years ago. Born in New York, Vincent had all the signs of autism. However, Bin says, “We never heard of autism in China.” Vincent had behavioral challenges, so his parents kept him home. When Bin came across a book translated in Chinese about autism at the public library, he realized that they needed support for Vincent, who was already 3. After reading about the 10 signs of autism, he recalls, it felt like he had been struck by lightning. “It felt like a life sentence,” he says. “We totally missed early intervention services. Our pediatrician did not suggest an evaluation. It means he will always be dependent on us. He may never speak.”
Today, Bin is a staunch parent advocate for all children and adults with autism, but especially those in the Chinese community, here and in China. He began learning more about autism and sharing information with other families. There’s an abundance of information and technology is providing a voice for some on the spectrum, while also helping children in the classroom.
Vincent Feng advocates in Washington, DC
“It’s not a life sentence; it’s just a different way of functioning,” Bin says. “Vincent has a job and loves to work. He has a home to come back to, and he has a circle of support. He feels proud.”
During the height of the COVID pandemic, Vincent stopped working at a different Hudson River Services worksite. He didn’t understand why he could not return to work. Three months later, he persuaded his parents to allow him to go back. He would need to learn how to wear and tolerate a facemask and gloves for five hours a day. On June 1, 2020, while most of New York City was still in lockdown, Vincent was back on the job. “We didn’t want him to go, but he didn’t want to be at home anymore.”
Vincent continues to develop his skills, says Tsering Dorjee, Borough Director with AHRC NYC’s Queens Employment & Business Services. “At the beginning, he had to learn the cleaning skills (sweeping, mopping, collecting garbage, and wiping.) Today he receives less frequent support.”
When not at work, Vincent also enjoys creating art, with a strong connection to his family’s Chinese roots.
Bin urges parents to keep moving and thinking ahead to the future. And to learn from his and others’ mistakes.
‘Everything Is Possible Right Now’
As for Vincent’s future, Bin and Jenny hope their son can learn to manage his money and eventually get off Supplemental Security Income. “Maybe he will have a girlfriend. Everything is possible right now. He is an inspiration to our family,” Bin says.
“I want him to feel proud. I’m already proud of him. I want him to recognize that he can be a role model. Everyone is so proud that he keeps working. I get my prize every time I see someone walk up to him and say, ‘I want my son to work someday, like you.’ That’s my happiest moment.”
About AHRC NYC’s Hudson River Services:
Hudson River Services has been exceeding customers’ expectations for over 20 years, with a commitment to providing well-trained, motivated, and qualified employees for its New York City business clients, with specialties in professional janitorial services, green cleaning, commercial office cleaning, and building maintenance. Private companies, large federal, state, and local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and universities rely on Hudson River Services. To learn more about Hudson River Services, contact us via our website or call 212-780-4491.
