Heather Rose Atkinson has overcome a great deal of adversity throughout her life. The 24-year-old La Mesa resident is on the autism spectrum and, to this day, suffers epileptic seizures.<\/p>\n The youngest of eight siblings, Heather is the only child in her family with a major disability. \u201cI was sometimes getting misjudged by others as a kid,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Fortunately, she continues to live a good life through hard work and the help of caring men and women.<\/p>\n A positive and supporting influence for her is the social services organization, Toward Maximum Independence (TMI), which assists people with developmental disabilities. They aid Heather by supplying her with Tailored Day Services \u2014 a program through California\u2019s Department of Development Services (DDS) that \u201cprovide opportunities for increased integration and inclusion, as well as further opportunities for the consumer to develop or maintain employment\/volunteer activities, and pursue postsecondary education,\u201d according to a fact sheet on the DDS website.<\/p>\n Someone who shares a lot of history with Heather is the TMI division manager, Cathena Ferrero.<\/p>\n Originally, TMI helped Heather with career exploration and career development. \u201cAtkinson wanted to find work and she hopes to start her own business,\u201d Ferrero said. \u201cShe\u2019s really into flowers, and through career exploration, interviewed owners of floral shops.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition to being involved with TMI, Atkinson continues to perform in musicals presented by Arms Wide Open (AWO). Productions put on by the organization feature cast members who have various types of disabilities.<\/p>\n Atkinson had heard about AWO through a close friend. \u201cWhen my friend suggested that I join the program, I wasn\u2019t in a good place with my disability,\u201d she said. \u201cI felt like I had a better handling of my disability in 2013, and I have loved AWO ever since.\u201d<\/p>\n Her fifth show with AWO is an interpretation of \u201cWilly Wonka Jr.,\u201d based on Roald Dahl\u2019s book, \u201cCharlie and the Chocolate Factory,\u201d and the classic family movie, \u201cWilly Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.\u201d Atkinson is cast as Charlie\u2019s adoring and encouraging mom, Mrs. Bucket. Atkinson\u2019s mother will be doing the hair and makeup for the uplifting event, which will be playing next month at the Lyceum Theatre.<\/p>\n The director of \u201cWilly Wonka Jr.,\u201d Chris Rubio, is the founder of AWO and empathizes with Heather and the rest of the ensemble. He was inspired to work with people with special needs, partially because his brother has low-functioning autism.<\/p>\n Following the run of \u201cWilly Wonka Jr.,\u201d Atkinson plans on taking a break from performing to focus on classes at AWO and other opportunities. This summer, she\u2019ll be working at the San Diego County Fair with a Willy Wonka wedding-themed setup. Wonka is a perfect choice for the setup, because the theme for the summer, \u201cHow sweet it is,\u201d focuses on candy.<\/p>\n According to Ferrero, a major reason why Atkinson continues to do so well is because of her family. \u201cI think she has a lot of support from them,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Sadly, her epilepsy does keep her from seeing too many members of her family at once. \u201cPart of her disability is that a lot of people and a lot of noise can cause a seizure,\u201d Ferrero said. \u201cHer family completely understands that she can only spend a certain amount of time doing group activities before going to her room. They accept that, because that\u2019s part of who she is as a person.\u201d<\/p>\n A positive aspect of Atkinson\u2019s personality, one that she shares with her family, is a passion for creativity. \u201cThey have done a great job of encouraging her that she can do anything that she puts her mind to in general,\u201d Ferrero said.<\/p>\n Ferrero is very proud of how far Atkinson has come. \u201cOur programs at TMI are designed for our clients to live full and active lives in their community,\u201d she said. \u201cI think that Heather is a perfect example of that goal.\u201d<\/p>\n With so many accomplishments, Atkinson seems destined to continue growing significantly as a person. \u201cI\u2019ve come a long way,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cWilly Wonka Jr.\u201d will be performed at the Lyceum Theatre March 2 through March 11. For tickets or more information, visit awosd.org<\/a> or call1-619-579-6197.<\/p>\n![\"Pushing](\"https:\/\/lamesacourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Heather-at-Home-11.17.jpg\")
<\/a><\/a>