VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:
Morgan Youker, social worker: Happens every year, that’s right.
William Jackson, reporter: The Fayetteville Free Library is already a familiar place for Sinclair Newman and his aide, Morgan Youker.
Youker: It’s just a great spot for him to interact with the local community and make friends.
Jackson: Today, the library is where Youker brought Newman to see democracy in action.
Youker: It’s important to vote because if you’re not trying to be part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.
Jackson: Newman is dead and nonverbal, and has been supported by Youker for over a year.
Youker: I work for an organization that provides mentors for people with intellectual disabilities.
Jackson: The work Youker does is part of what drove her to the polls. She says social services is in need of more government support.
Youker: Anything that people can do to bring more funds or awareness to programs like this would be incredible.
Jackson: As for Newman, there’s one issue that takes high priority.
Youker: He’s saying everyone should learn ASL.
Jackson: And although that isn’t on the ballot this year, it’s worth a try.
Youker: Say see you later.
Jackson: See you later.
Youker: See you.
Jackson: See you.
Youker: Later.
Jackson: I like that. Alright well thank you and see you later. William Jackson, NCC News.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.Y. (NCC News) – A regular trip to the Fayetteville Free Library turned into a memorable day of action for Sinclair Newman and Morgan Youker.
Youker is a social worker who has been working with Newman for over a year. Newman is deaf and nonverbal, and makes frequent trips to the library to connect with his community.
“We usually come here because he is very interested in meeting people,” Youker said.
On Election Day this year, Newman and Youker used their visit to the library to make their voices heard.
“Democracy feels like it’s struggling right now,” Youker said. “That’s why it’s important for us to come out here and vote.”
Youker works for an organization that helps people like Newman with daily activities. It’s also a service she says is in need of support.
“These programs have always been under funded and under attack,” she said. “Anything people can do to bring more funds or awareness to programs like this would be incredible.”