New England

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.

Matthew’s passion for advocacy and poetry has opened new opportunities in his community, including becoming a published author. Discover how education, volunteering, and a supportive writing group helped Matthew turn his passion for writing into self-employment.

When constant staff changes made work stressful, Johnathan and his family turned to self-directed services for stability. Through Massachusetts’ Participant-Directed Program, he hired trusted family members as job coaches, giving him consistency and control over his schedule. Fifteen years later, Johnathan thrives at his grocery store job, surrounded by supportive coworkers and friends. His story shows how choice and trusted relationships can transform employment and quality of life.

Joe is a 29-year-old from Central Massachusetts. He lives in his own home and has a close relationship with his parents and siblings. He works as a busser at a restaurant where he is well liked and known as a hard worker. Outside of work, he has a very active life and enjoys working out, Special Olympics skiing and bowling, running 5ks, playing Jumbo hockey, socializing with friends and family, and going to movies. Joe also has a garden where he takes care of vegetables he grows and donates to community organizations. Joe thrives when he’s busy and engaged with his surroundings.

Rachel is a young adult who describes herself as a social person who likes to connect to the community. Rachel recently began working at the Institute for Community Inclusion as a disability advocate advisor. She supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to engage with ICI’s projects, and she helps project staff design and distribute materials in plain language. Rachel realized in college that she wanted to become an advocate for people with disabilities, and she believes that her current job is a step toward reaching that goal. Read her story! Watch Rachel's video!

Brian is 23 years old, lives near Boston, Massachusetts, and has autism. He has a passion for photography, which he uses to share his perspective with the world via his website, through the eyes of Brian. He also enjoys taking self-designed community trips and hiking in the mountains. Brian is driven, committed to doing what he sets his mind to, and willing to take on new challenges. Over time, Brian has developed a strong interest in working in a school.

Miranda is in her early 20s and describes herself as kind, confident, a hard worker, and multilingual. Her family and service providers describe her as independent and motivated to lead a self-determined life. She has a part-time job working at Marshall’s as a merchandise associate and volunteers at a local senior center and major medical center in the Boston area.

Tracey is a young adult and a full-time student at a state college in Massachusetts, studying criminal justice and sociology. She also is pursuing her passion as a motivational speaker. Tracey uses a variety of supports that help her study, participate in her community, and plan for life after graduation. Tracey chooses her own supports, which currently include a personal care attendant hired by her family and support from her mom and siblings. 

Tatiana is a transition-age youth who lives with her family in the Boston, Massachusetts metro area. She enjoys modeling, theatre, spending time with her family and friends, and being part of her community. Tatiana also volunteers her time in the community and serves as a board member for two nonprofit organizations. Tatiana is willing to learn and take on new challenges with a positive outlook. She currently works at CVS and is also a student at a local community college. Tatiana’s goal is to teach young children.

Nikolas is 22 years old and works for Amazon at Whole Foods in Providence, Rhode Island as a personal shopper. In this job, he uses an Amazon phone that receives the customers’ orders and payments. Nikolas fulfills the customers’ requests, bags the items and labels the bags in preparation for delivery. He began working in this position before COVID-19 hit, finding the job after participating in a one-year school-to-work program called Project Search.