More than a Paycheck: Jordan's Path to Empowerment

Easterseals Southern California Employment Services helped change his path toward independence and empowerment.  

When Easterseals first meets with a new client, they look beyond the individual's disability to determine their interests, talents, and desires for a career.  

"We learn about the individual, we learn about their ideal conditions of work, we learn what skills they have, their personal genius," said Maureen Carasiti, Director of Employment Services. "We're taking that information and we're going to the business. So, we landed at U.S. Battery." 

Jordan's Easterseals coach set up a tour of the factory and right away, in the parking lot, Jordan said, "I want to work here." Jordan soon discovered a natural talent for the work he was doing in the pasting department of the factory, an important step in the battery-making process. He also enjoys the sense of accomplishment and independence it gives him.  

"I like working there because it's behind-the-scenes work," said Jordan. "Factory work is something I'm very used to."  

Within the first week at U.S. Battery, Jordan made more money than he did in 11 years earning subminimum wage. His mom, Tami, is thrilled to see her son in a role that not only gives him purpose and fair wages, but allows him to use his skills.  

"There wasn't a lot of light shown on his gifts and abilities," said Tami. "Jordan, I think inside, always knew that he could accomplish a lot. I think he believed in himself. They [Easterseals] found out who Jordan was, what his abilities were, not just abilities, but his abilities. He told me one time 'I'm not just autistic. There's other parts to me, Mom.'"