Through a comprehensive planning process, Matt’s team of support professionals helped him find a job he enjoys at the Sheraton Hotel. He brings his tool set with him to work (a birthday gift from his co-workers) and does maintenance projects and painting. He works 30 hours per week, and benefits from a supportive group of co-workers.

With the support of a career planning process and her family and friends, Dusty was able follow her dream. She enrolled in a theater class, took a course at a local college, and made use of creative funding to develop her own business. In 2006, Dusty’s Puppets became a reality. Dusty entertains young children with puppet shows at birthday parties, local farmers’ markets, daycare centers, and schools.

Andy Owens works in the price task force department at Powell's City of Books in Portland, Oregon. He is driven and committed to doing anything he sets his mind to. Andy has cerebral palsy and can operate a computer by using a head switch. With this technology, he is able to scan and price books. In addition to his own determination, Andy's employment success was due to the involvement of family members who advocated for him at school, led an employment-planning process, and continue to support Andy on the job.

David is a 41-year-old man from Maryland. He enjoys being busy, often working at several paid and several volunteer jobs at the same time. David especially likes work related to film, CDs, and other media. He and his job coach benefited from the opportunity to work with a One-Stop Career Center to find this type of job.

Ian lives on Oahu, Hawai'i, and enjoys movies, dance, and karate. He is employed as a courtesy clerk at Safeway. With the support and high expectations of his family, he was able to train for this job while still in high school, enabling a smooth transition into the kind of work he wanted.

Chad is a man in his 20s who enjoys physical jobs, is outgoing and loves baking. He hoped to find a job that would keep him very busy without being too fast-paced and would allow him to be social, interacting with and helping customers. As Chad began a bakery job, although the job tasks were a perfect match for his interests, the fast pace, the structure, and the change in management were not. Instead of giving up, Chad found another position where the pace and customer interaction matched his skills and personality. He now works full time with full benefits.

After Josh graduated from high school, he decided to gain additional experience as an AmeriCorps volunteer. Like many young people, he had tried various jobs in high school, but still wasn't sure what kind of job he really wanted. His time with AmeriCorps helped him take the next step toward a career. In fact, Josh has opened his own business as a result of knowledge and experience he gained in AmeriCorps.

Frankie is a 21-year-old man who lives in Haworth, Oklahoma. His interests include rescuing animals and caring for his 11 dogs. With the help of his service coordinator from the Developmental Disabilities Services Division, Frankie was able to offer his employer payment for 12 months of on-the-job supports. Frankie works from 6:30 in the morning to 3:30 in the afternoon every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday for the City of Idabel.

Nicole currently works part-time as a classroom assistant at a child-care center. Her goal is to develop and advance a career in childcare and to work at the center full-time. Nicole is using multiple paths to advance in her chosen career field. A volunteer opportunity is allowing her to gain more experience in the field, a second job is readying her for a fuller schedule and contributing to her overall income, and continuing education is preparing her for the necessary certifications.

Miranda loves children and is also interested in helping other people with disabilities. She provides childcare during the school year at the Brookline Early Education Program in Brookline, Massachusetts. Because of Miranda's strong interest in childcare and the employer's inclusive philosophy, her job developer approached the employer with the idea of creating a meaningful job.