Beth Carey’s own journey as a neurodivergent individual is ensuring the mental wellbeing of others like herself.

Her transformative experience through the Illinois Council of Developmental Disability’s Partners in Policymaking program gave her insight on how to accomplish this goal.

“The program led me to confront a harrowing reality: Women with autism, like myself, face a suicide rate four times higher than the neurotypical population,” she said. “Having struggled with suicidal ideations since I was 10 years old and survived an attempt during my first semester in college, I realized that my story was not unique. I knew that I couldn’t sit back knowing people like me—neurodivergent individuals who often struggle in silence—are at such high risk.

COD wasn’t just offering an education; it was offering a community that would stand by me and help me thrive.

Beth Carey

“During my time in the program, I learned about the profound isolation felt by people with disabilities, especially those with autism, and navigating a world that’s often not built for us. The constant struggle to have our voices go unheard and experiences be invalidated in a neurotypical society can make us doubt our own value and force us to mask our true selves to feel safe. This insight became the fuel that drove me to seek out ways to make a difference.”

Her research revealed that many people still reported symptoms of depression and anxiety at more than double the pre-COVID pandemic rate. Carey realized the best way she could help was to use her experience and skills in ADA accessibility to demonstrate effective approaches from the inside.

Already armed with a bachelor’s degree in leadership studies and special populations and a master’s degree in biology, Carey discovered the Recovery Support Specialist certificate program at College of DuPage, which would provide the training to become a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist in Illinois. She was drawn to COD because of its support for students with disabilities and the extracurriculars.

“The Center for Access and Accommodations, student success coaches, the library and the Tutoring and Academic Support Center weren’t just resources. They were lifelines that would help ensure my success, even on the toughest days when my disabilities might get in the way,” she said. “Additionally, the entrepreneur and NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) clubs on campus offered ways to extend my learning and professional goals beyond the classroom. COD wasn’t just offering an education; it was offering a community that would stand by me and help me thrive. I knew that with their support, I could face any challenge.

“For the first time in a long time, I felt like I had found a path forward, one that would allow me to turn my passion into action.”

Carey, who balanced a full-time job and motherhood with returning to school, completed an internship with NAMI DuPage, which she described as empowering. Her work included co-leading support groups, providing accessibility recommendations and sharing her personal mental health recovery story. For her work with the Teen Support Group, where many participants were neurodivergent, Carey drew from her own experiences with bullying, social exclusion and communication struggles to provide support.

One highlight was leading a presentation on ADA accessibility for NAMI’s Workforce Development Program, which helped peers better understand self-advocacy and workplace accommodations.

“With the support of the CRSS program and my internship, I transformed my struggles into strengths, becoming a mental health advocate,” she said. “I’m now using the voice that was once literally taken from me to help others find theirs. I am on a mission, and my hope is to be what I needed on my darkest days—a non-biased, safe person to serve as a beacon of hope for those struggling, reminding them that even in the face of adversity, healing and a brighter future are always possible. It’s OK not to be OK, but it is not OK to suffer alone Help is out there.”

Carey is continuing her work at NAMI DuPage as a recovery support specialist volunteer in addition to her full-time position as director of grants and information management at DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform. She also received a grant from Innovation DuPage and Autism Angels to start her own business, Neurodivergent Galaxy, through which she is a wellness coach, mental health advocate and certified ADA coordinator.

Because of COD, Carey now has the tools and confidence to pursue her goal of creating neuro-affirming mental health access for all who have been overlooked, misunderstood or left behind.

“I’m working toward a future where people like me can access the mental health support they deserve, without feeling like they don’t belong,” she said. “And thanks to COD, I can make that dream a reality. The CRSS program faculty and curriculum have been incredibly supportive, offering a foundation in recovery-oriented practices while allowing me to apply my lived experiences in meaningful ways. My internship at NAMI DuPage was a turning point, as it not only allowed me to put my classroom skills into practice but also gave me a real-world understanding of the gaps in access beyond my own experiences.

“On a personal level, COD has been transformative in helping me find my voice and purpose. I’ve learned valuable self-advocacy skills and developed a sense of belonging in a community that shares similar goals. COD provided me with the confidence, tools and community I need to work toward a future where neurodivergent individuals have better access to mental health support, and I’m proud to be on that journey.”

Learn more about the Human Services program at College of DuPage