Students with autism are running the show in Lincoln Park as they launch Mixing It Up With Mixter, a podcast sharing inspiring stories about people living with the developmental disorder.
The Mixter Institute students produce the show, offering an emphasis on the strengths, interests and resilience of autistic students in the community.
It is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
“The big idea was to learn how to start a podcast from start to launch and continue with the content throughout the school year,” Mixter Principal Robyn Castle said. “This podcast demonstrates how each student and adult with autism has skills to offer their community. A podcast is an excellent platform for our students to make their voices heard and listen back to hear their own successes.”
Kari Thomas, a Mixter teacher, was provided with the technology resources to launch the podcast.
Mixter students built the program from the ground up and maintain it with different features in each installment. The show is fully created by students and is student-driven.
“Each episode shines a light on people with autism, highlighting numerous opportunities for students with autism to develop real-life skills and abilities that prepare them for the modern workforce,” Thomas said. “We all have a vested interest in the success of these terrific individuals, and ‘Mixing It Up With Mixter’ is truly inspirational for both our students and our community.”
The institute’s post-high school program is available for those ages 18-26 with autism who live in one of 17 districts in the Downriver-Dearborn communities.
Mixter’s students learn practical skills in woodworking, gardening, cashiering and stocking, and students are employed at various job sites throughout the community.
School Supt. Terry Dangerfield said the district’s podcast offers an additional skill set in technology, empowers students to explore their creativity and engages them within the community.
He said those are all strengths that can benefit local businesses and organizations.
“This podcast is blazing a new trail for students with autism, and we invite other schools and organizations to follow our lead,” he said.
