Freehold resident Tim Rohrer knows all too well what it feels like to be excluded.

Growing up as a young man with autism, Rohrer, now 24, experienced isolation and bullying throughout his childhood and school years. His journey, however, has transformed into one of advocacy and inspiration, promoting acceptance, understanding, and what he calls a climate of inclusion.

After graduating high school, Rohrer channeled his experiences into writing a guide on how to treat people with disabilities. He then emerged as a Disability Inclusion Advocate, traveling across New Jersey to share his story, foster empathy, and encourage communities to embrace inclusion. A central theme in his work is the idea that inclusion doesn’t stop at awareness — it involves actionable efforts to integrate individuals with disabilities into every aspect of life.

“It makes me sad that people with disabilities being isolated is the norm,” Rohrer told Patch. “And I feel like regular students need education on how to include their peers with disabilities.”

Rohrer’s advocacy has taken him to over 150 schools, where he delivers powerful talks about the importance of inclusion. He’s also spoken at prominent venues like the NJEA Teacher’s Convention, the Autism NJ Conference, the NJ School Boards Convention, and the NJ Coalition for Inclusive Education’s professional development workshops. His work extends even to Corporate America, where he helps businesses understand how promoting disability inclusion enhances workplace culture and productivity.

A gifted writer as well, Rohrer has authored two children’s books: “Timmy’s Story: A Story About Autism and Friendship” and “Timmy’s Story: A Sensory Friendly Birthday.” Both books aim to teach young readers the values of friendship and understanding.

Speaking with students, teachers, and staff statewide has allowed Rohrer to further his mission. His goal is to move beyond mere awareness and help communities learn how to incorporate disability inclusion into their daily lives. He emphasizes the importance of simple acts of kindness and genuine connection, especially among young people.

“If they [those with disabilities] feel different from you, don’t be afraid of them,” Rohrer said. “They may have a disability, but they want to be treated like everyone else. Get to know them, invite them to your lunch table, invite them to your place or gathering.”

Amy Rohrer, Tim’s mother, has been a steadfast partner in his journey. She manages outreach, social media, and logistical tasks, ensuring that Tim’s voice reaches as many people as possible. Watching her son grow into a confident speaker and advocate has been a source of immense pride.

“He’s just a natural at it,” Amy said. “Not just the presenting, but the questions thrown at him. He always has a Q&A session with children, older students, and even adults, and he always has a lot of really good advice and things to say.”

“Just living the life of having autism and what that feels like, he knows better than a lot of people who just go to school for it because he’s a person who’s lived that life,” Amy continued. “So going with him, doing this advocacy work — we’ve kind of grown it together.”

As a Disability Inclusion Advocate, Rohrer finds his greatest joy in the one-on-one interactions he has with students. Teaching them how to include their peers with disabilities is not just a job for him but a heartfelt mission. These moments of connection reaffirm his belief in the power of inclusion to transform lives.

For Amy, witnessing the impact of Tim’s work is deeply moving.

“Just seeing the connections he makes with students — those who have autism or those without disabilities trying to make connections with those that do — it’s the most amazing thing for me to see,” Amy said. “He’s almost like a celebrity, you know? Kids are high-fiving him, kids are running up to him for hugs.”

Tim’s message resonates with audiences of all ages, encouraging schools, communities, and organizations to actively promote disability inclusion. This concept goes beyond simply being aware of disabilities; it calls for creating environments where everyone feels valued and included.

“It’s just about bringing a climate of acceptance, where everybody’s part of everything,” Amy added. “It shouldn’t be that we still have to teach that, but we still have a lot of work to do.”

Through his tireless efforts, Rohrer has become a beacon of hope and a champion for change, demonstrating that inclusion isn’t just an ideal—it’s a practice that transforms communities.