Courage, Confidence and Support Lead to Long-Term Job Success
When 24-year-old Jackson started living successfully on his own, his next step was to enter the workforce. As a man with autism, he turned to the services of the DES Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program, which helps individuals with disabilities prepare for, enter into and thrive in the workforce. Thanks to a VR-contracted employment services provider and a supportive employer, Jackson Settles is rocketing into the next stage in his personal development.
Jason Streichman of Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services (STARS) helped Jackson get his first job in a newly created position at U-Haul's corporate headquarters in Phoenix. Working with the building maintenance supervisor, U-Haul carved out a position for Jackson for its recycling program.
Jackson Settles
"At first, it wasn't his ideal type of job," explained Jason. "But he acclimated to it … [He] was good at it and gained the confidence and the skills to stick with it."
Later on Jackson's journey, STARS's Kris Chilvers took over as his job coach. A job coach joins employees on-site to help guide them in their assignments. For example, Kris developed task lists for Jackson and helped standardize his duties. In the beginning, Jackson and Kris worked practically shoulder to shoulder, but as Jackson's confidence increased, Kris's involvement decreased.
"He was brave and able to come out of his comfort zone to try harder and new things," said Kris. "He was learning how to keep a job, what it takes… and to listen to what it's going to take to really make this work."
Now, with almost 3 years under his belt, Jackson credits his job satisfaction to both U-Haul and STARS. "There's a lot of nice people there," said Jackson. "I like how I'm always out and about, getting to socialize with [co-workers] and obviously still stay on task and not be distracted."
Jackson offers this advice to others with disabilities looking for employment:
- Know what you want to do,
- Believe in yourself that you can do it, and
- Never be afraid to ask.
Are You Ready to Start Your VR Journey?
DES is proud to provide quality opportunities to help individuals with disabilities reach their goals in the workplace. For more information about employment programs for individuals with disabilities, visit the Vocational Rehabilitation webpage.