PROFILE: Local Resident Dreams of Fame While Searching for Fulfilling Work

All Nathan Bauer wants is to work a fulfilling and sociable job, explore his many hobbies and tell his story—and maybe sign a few autographs along the way. While many see his Down syndrome as a disability, he said he has a lot to share with the community.

"I want people to know how it is to live with a disability such as Down syndrome. People need to know I want the same things as everybody," Bauer told Patch.

Nathan, 32, recently moved to Richfield with his family from the Rochester, MN area. New housing options for the Bauer family was the primary draw to Richfield.

“We were able to get involved with the Housing Access Services Program,” said Les Bauer, Nathan’s dad. “We bought the duplex. We’re on one side [and] he’s on the other. He has staff five days a week. The whole purpose of the program was for more independence.”

Independence is not always something that Nathan has been able to enjoy. While he grew up with his family and was active in school and programs, he lived in a group home for ten years upon graduation.

“It was not satisfactory,” Les Bauer said. “Everyone has to do the same thing. You’re not selected to match people. You aren’t supposed to open your mouth. It’s a rather barbaric attitude.”

Nathan was also employed by various organizations during that time that didn’t think about what he would do be best at, or what he wanted to do, Les said. The majority of his work was in sheltered workshops where he had little to no interaction with others.

"I like to visit and talk with people and learn new things from others," Nathan said.

Les added that it was frustrating to see his son being placed in jobs without his consideration.

“Any experience he has was, ‘Oh, we have this little job,’” he said. “He didn’t have anything in the way of choices.”

Since moving to Richfield, the Bauers have quickly adjusted to the small-town feel and close-knit community, and Nathan is working with the *Community Involvement Program (CIP) to find a job he likes.

CIP, which was recently awarded a grant to create internship and employment opportunities in Richfield, seeks out jobs for those with mental illnesses or disabilities. Molly Darsow, an employment representative for the program and chairwoman of the , works specifically with Nathan Bauer.

“[Nathan's] good at motivating others and sharing information,” Darsow said. “We were looking towards schools, activities departments, following dance and cheer and theater paths. Anywhere from there to data entry. The key is that we’re trying to build experience.”

Currently, he is working at the YMCA in Woodbury. It’s a good opportunity, but a long commute.

“I work with Special Olympics [and other young athletes and children],” Nathan said. “Sometimes we do things in the community, play miniature golf, go to museums. I help them learn new games they can play and new exercises want to do.”

In addition to everyday exercise, Nathan also is an *assistant instructor of the YMCA cheer team. He said he sees cheering as a way to both exercise and perform—and channel his love for musicals.

“I am on Southwest Cheerleading. It’s really good exercise because it’s like dancing for entertainment," Nathan said. "Cheerleading is all about dancing ... I also choreograph all of my own dances."

His confidence also comes across in his public speaking.

“He’s done well over 70 speeches with Special Olympics, for up to 1500 people,” Les said.

Nathan has given speeches at gatherings where people have asked for his autograph, which he said he loves. He imagines a day when he is famous, and his dream job is to act in musicals. Above all, though, he enjoys sharing his story and serving as a role model.

"People need to know that I can do many things that everyone does," Nathan said. "People need to know that I am more like them than different from them."

If you have any employment opportunities or ideas for Nathan Bauer, please contact Molly at mdarsow@cipmn.org.

Editor's Note: Two changes marked by asterisks (*) were made to add clarity.