José-Daniel’s childhood hobby and continuing passion for the railroad industry
has completely shaped his path to employment.
He didn't feel fully prepared seven years ago
but then he made big changes and realized that improving his job skills
would increase the potential for his future dreams.
Hi my name is José-Daniel.
Employment is extremely important to me
because it provides a critical role in
improving my job skills
which in turn
increases my potential for employment and the career of my dreams.
But seven years ago I didn't feel fully prepared.
But recently I felt totally confident to try out for a permanent part-time position
at North Star Resource Group
this past May.
To name a few
my responsibilities at work include
distributing incoming mail to staff
metering outgoing mail
delivering packages to the USPS office nearby.
I found that job through regular job search meetings
with my Vocational Rehabilitation Services job coach
using a website called Indeed.com.
My hobbies include model railroading
railroad photography and travel.
I don't quite remember firsthand the details
but at some point when I was living in Guatemala my mom took me to visit a neighbor's house
where he had an entire display of model trains in action.
Watching the display that's where I discovered
I knew I loved trains.
My dream job is to work in the railroad industry.
Originally I always thought of being a locomotive engineer
but when I started out in receiving services through
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
that forced me to conduct further railroad industry research
and career searches to determine
what my dream job in the railroad industry actually is.
Some of the benefits that I feel my disability has for my future job
include a creative organizational system
If the job I ultimately choose requires.
Very strong attention to detail
which could potentially guarantee
more timely detection of a problem
or malfunction.
I do feel the programs through Focus Beyond slash VRS
have given me the opportunity to live the life that I want to live.
VRS helped me with finding paid and unpaid employment opportunities
during the summer months.
Taught me the skills necessary to conduct
successful informational interviews with professionals in the railroading industry.
Through Focus Beyond I received regularly scheduled speech therapy sessions
social work meetings
specialized instruction that supported my success in PSEO coursework
and a lot of help planning for my future
and career goals.
Independence means paying all my college education bills on time
finding a permanent job that suits my dream career
having a place of my own own to live
right next to some railroad tracks in a safe neighborhood.
Getting around the Twin Cities on my own
getting my degree in engineering
having a family of my own if I choose to have one.
When I was 18 I became my own legal guardian.
My parents and I talked a lot about what that meant for my future
and how I would have to advocate for myself
when it comes to reasonable accommodations.
Their sole focus was helping me become and feel
confident enough to become my own legal guardian at the age of 18.
Something that I get to do is sign forms
that ordinarily my parents would have signed if I were under age.
I've had to advocate for double extended time on tests and quizzes
visual instructions
written notes
written copies of instructions
for a big assignment or project.
A visual of the final product for a large project.
I feel that I am where I am right now because the wide circle of people
who believe in me that I have gathered throughout my years as a student with autism.
Advocating for yourself
takes a lot of courage and practice.
But at the end of the day advocating for yourself
whether you end up doing it unassisted
or with a whole circle of people by your side
do what your heart tells you to do.
And if that's what your heart tells you to do
go for it.
Through a wide circle of support that includes family and professional supports
José-Daniel has gone a long way in building his confidence.
Learning to advocate for himself took a lot of courage and practice
and he now sees his disability as an asset
that enables him to problem solve creatively or, say.
José-Daniel reached out for help from Vocational Rehabilitation Services
and his school's Transition Program
for guidance in researching
all the possible kinds of work that exist in the railroad industry.
His case managers and counselors then crafted an education and employment plan.
He met his short term and long term goals by finding a permanent part time job
while continuing to pursue an associate degree in engineering.
He then plans to earn a bachelor's in engineering
and will then be prepared for a career in the railroad industry.
Never be afraid to try or dream big.