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My JSSA Story: Jason, an Out and About! Participant

Posted
September 5, 2017
Categories
Clients / Specialized Employment
Young adult with special needs painting pottery with JSSA's Out and About social club

Jason*, age 30, describes himself as a bit of a nerd.

“I like comics, TV, games, movies, and the internet,” he said. “I also enjoy writing fan-fiction — stories about preexisting characters in preexisting franchises. I’ve written two stories with over a million words. Really need to finish one of them one of these days…”

If Jason’s too busy to write, it’s for a good reason. He’s often busy with Out & About!, a JSSA social club for young adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and related challenges. Jason has been active since 2012, attending most of the group’s monthly events.

“I have Asperger’s, so I don’t always do well in social situations. The best thing about Out & About! is that I get to participate in a variety of fun activities with people like myself. It has allowed me to do things I might never have done on my own,” he explained. Some of Jason’s favorite Out & About! activities include laser tag, zip lining, and painting ceramics, and he always enjoys the annual Halloween party.

Last year, Jason began working with JSSA’s Specialized Employment services to find a job that utilized his master’s degree in library science. He had already managed to secure several internships and short-term jobs and was looking for something involving archival work, records, and library management, preferably in the federal government. After what he described as “rigorous” interview training, resume building, and cover-letter tailoring at JSSA, Jason landed his current position at the National Archives, a job he can see becoming a career.

“JSSA’s dedicated to helping make a difference in the lives of people like me. At least for me, I’d say they’re succeeding.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS


Please consider making a contribution today to help more clients like Jason have the opportunity to reach their own milestones and enjoy some of life’s sweetest moments. Donate here.

*Name has been changed for privacy.
JSSA’s services for individuals with special needs, including Specialized Employment, are available in Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA.

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