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Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education

Sydney's Story A young woman smiling while sitting in her car

My name is Sydney Krebsbach. I’m a young adult with autism and social anxiety disorder. I’m currently working at SAIL and serving on the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education.

For the past 10 years there were goals I was trying to achieve. There were a few bumps along the way but I reached them. My theme has always been if you don’t try it the first time keep doing it and you will succeed. Both my perseverance and the support of my family and service provider has helped me overcome many challenges.

In the 10th grade I took the high school qualifying exam. It took me two years, but with the help of a tutor I was able to pass and eventually graduate with honors. When I was 18 years old I got my drivers licenses. It took me five attempts to get my learners and two attempts to pass the driving test.

In the fall of 2016 I applied for 28 different jobs and nobody was willing to give me the opportunity to prove that I am capable of doing the work required then I got successfully hired to be a Senate Page for the Alaska State Legislature and because of that job it had open many opportunities. I have within the last year successfully completed the LEND program through University of Alaska and was appointed to be on the Governor’s Council on Disabilities on Special Education.

Finally it took me 7 years and 6 jobs before I was able to find the right job. In April 2019 I got hired to work at SAIL. Sure I may walk, talk and look the same just like everyone else on the outside but on the inside I’m different. Because of my autism I see the world differently.

My experiences with the American Disabilities Act has been the most rewarding moment in my life I want to give back and share I what I went through over the last 10 years. I would like to continue my advocacy work and show people that you can reach your goals and reaching for the stars.