Career Advancement

Cristina is a self-advocate, author, and poet who turned her passion for writing into a career. With support from family, mentors, and technology, she has published four books and shared her work nationally and internationally. Her story highlights how education, technology, and strong support networks can help people achieve their career goals.

Cole turned an early work experience into a rewarding hospital career. Through persistence, self-advocacy, and support from mentors and coworkers, he has earned promotions, developed new skills, and been recognized for his contributions. His journey shows that career growth may not always be linear, but every step helped him move forward.

Dillian’s journey demonstrates how individualized supports, persistence, and strong work experiences can lead to career advancement. After exploring different jobs through transition services and working in the community, Dillian secured a full-time, benefitted position as an environmental specialist at a nursing home. With support from his family, service provider, and job coach, he developed the skills and confidence needed to succeed, achieve greater independence, and work toward his personal goals.
 

Dupree is a 35-year-old man living in Minnesota. He describes himself as outgoing and talkative, finding joy in connecting with others through podcasting and being active in his community. Dupree is a lead state advisor at the University of Minnesota (UMN) Institute on Community Integration and a teaching artist at Upstream Arts. Dupree’s passion for self-advocacy has led to many opportunities, including his role on the board for the Arc of Minnesota and as an advisor for a federally funded project based at UMass Boston’s Institute for Community Inclusion.

Nicole currently works part-time as a classroom assistant at a child-care center. Her goal is to develop and advance a career in childcare and to work at the center full-time. Nicole is using multiple paths to advance in her chosen career field. A volunteer opportunity is allowing her to gain more experience in the field, a second job is readying her for a fuller schedule and contributing to her overall income, and continuing education is preparing her for the necessary certifications.

Ashley is a woman who likes helping other people with disabilities. Ashley works part-time as a researcher at the Institute for Community Inclusion. What is Ashley’s story:

• Ashley heard about an available research job on a project team studying how people with disabilities make choices about work.
• Ashley applied and got the position. She worked with a mentor to learn all about the job.
• When she had finished work on the project, she had learned to do many different research tasks.
• Ashley was offered more project work and continues to work there part-time.

Ken is a 46-year-old man who lives in Seattle, Washington. He has been a devoted Starbucks Partner at the Starbucks corporate headquarters there for the past 20 years. Ken assists with stocking 23 kitchens with teas and condiments. He also conducts weekly tea tastings for his coworkers.