This article was written by the Alliance for Expanding America’s Workforce and originally appeared on expandingamericasworkforce.org. Please visit their website to learn more.
As a janitor with SOAR365 at the Defense Supply Center in Richmond, VA, Bill has finally found a career after years of not being able to find his path. Because of his combination of disabilities, finding the right job fit had always been difficult. Even during his seventeen years in the Virginia Army National Guard, it took longer than expected for Bill to advance to the rank of Sergeant.
Bill’s disabilities were unfortunately diagnosed decades after their onset and left him struggling to navigate social situations. He struggled with clinical depression, was teased and bullied and started his college journey late. In his previous roles, even when he made forward-thinking suggestions to his managers, they dismissed him out of hand. As Bill says, “I was a square peg surrounded with nothing but round holes.”
With the support of the Autism Society of Central Virginia, as well as his friends at the job-seeker’s support group Career Prospectors, he was able to connect with SOAR365. Within a few days, they reached back out and helped him take the next steps in his journey.
Bill takes pride in his attention to detail, noticing and responding to issues that many others would have never seen. From cleaning areas that nobody else had noticed, to suggesting changes to protocol and procedures, his colleagues always know that he cares and is committed. Furthermore, the accommodations provided by SOAR365 have allowed him to do his job without fear that he will be fired for his disabilities. He has been able to learn from more experienced staff while at the same time ensuring that every task is completed to the best of his ability, establishing a routine that meets his needs.
“It’s great to have met a variety of people who recognize and support my issues,” Bill notes. “Everyone knows that I care.”
Outside of work, Bill continues to pursue his passion as a comic strip writer. He was a cartoonist for the VCU student paper, for which he has won regional, state and national awards. While Bill cleans, he enjoys listening to comedy podcasts (an accommodation that his employers understand and appreciate) as well as continuing to find new ways to engage with his colleagues.
Bill’s advice for other’s looking to find a good fit is, “Don’t give up, and look around for employers like SOAR365 who are committed to people with disabilities.” He adds, “Network as much as you can, and find accepting people to hang around with in your life. Do what you can to stay in your happy place!”
Everyone has skills, talents and strengths to share in the workplace – including people with disabilities. That’s why every October, SOAR365 is proud to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).
To learn more about SOAR365’s efforts to provide good jobs for all through its Supported Employment and Business Solutions departments, visit soar365.org or follow SOAR365 on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.