Giancarlo & Advocacy for Autism Spectrum Disorder

By -
Take a look at some of the valuable services and supports that DARS can provide for individuals with disabilities and what this has meant for a young man with autism as he has progressed through postsecondary education and  preparing for his ideal  job in the technology industry.  

Location: Richmond, VA, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts!

Experience and determination got Keaton the job he wanted!

By Anonymous -
Image
Keaton and his grandmother, Faye | Source  New River CC During the Fall of 2014, Keaton Hanks was a volunteer with a new and emerging consulting group in the Pulaski area of southwestern Virginia. Around that time, Keaton began working with his job coach at The Choice Group through Community Support Services. His objective was to gain employment as the consulting group's part-time administrative assistant by working on his customer service and administrative assistance skills with his coach, Caitlin Igor. Together they worked on phone etiquette, data entry, and in-person customer interaction skills while he was volunteering at the consulting agency. After several months of progress, Keaton was hired as the part-time administrative assistant at the consulting agency where he was volunteering! He and his job coach continued to work on reading and interpreting detailed instructions to complete data entry projects as well as advancing his already improved customer service skills. ...
Read more

Frances’ Success Story

By -
Image
Source: Ticket to Work Program, Social Security Administration . “Frances’ Success Story” , choosework.ssa.gov./library A Healing Journey Back to Work While at a local restaurant having lunch with her husband, Frances noticed a group of nurses in crisp white scrubs enjoying their lunch break together. It sounded like they were reflecting on something amusing from work or sharing an experience they had with a kind patient that day. They looked so happy, and it was this moment that sparked her desire to go further in her medical career and become a registered nurse. Frances was already a respiratory therapist and enjoyed a rewarding career, but becoming a nurse was her true goal. A few years later, Frances enrolled in school to pursue her dream. She became a registered nurse in 2004. At that time, Frances could have never imagined that in 2018, a medical crisis would pause everything… but only temporarily. “I think I’m having a stroke!” Frances said as she sat in her car alone with horri...
Read more

Love on the Spectrum: A Story of Neurodiverse Agency and Empowerment

By -
Image
Netflix’s documentary series Love on the Spectrum has earned a record five Emmy nominations this year, the most in its run to date. The series, following U.S. adults with autism as they pursue meaningful dating relationships, is recognized in five categories: Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program; directing; cinematography; casting; and picture editing. These honors surpass its previous tallies in 2022 and 2024. This milestone underscores the series' powerful commitment to authentic storytelling and amplifying neurodiverse voices, values that resonate deeply with The Choice Group’s core mission of supporting individuals in overcoming barriers to achieve fulfilling lives. Just as Love on the Spectrum spotlights neurodiverse adults navigating love and personal growth, The Choice Group fosters similar empowerment, helping clients explore their potential, build relationships, and shape their futures. Both the show and the organization highlight the importance of visibility, support,...
Read more

Sam Evans’ Journey into Auto Detailing

By -
Image
Since October 2024, The Choice Group has had the pleasure of working with Sam Evans—a friendly, professional, and driven individual who recently set his sights on a career change. After seven years with his current employer, Sam expressed interest in exploring new possibilities, and one area that sparked his curiosity was auto detailing. Although Sam had no prior experience in the field, he was eager to jump in and give it a try. Through situational assessment services, he recently completed a hands-on experience at Xtreme Detailing in Virginia Beach. There, he took on the full process of exterior car cleaning—prepping, spraying, scrubbing, and drying a vehicle from start to finish. The owner was impressed and commended Sam on a job well done. Sam’s willingness to step outside of his comfort zone and try something completely new is just one of the many things that makes him stand out. As we continue working together, we’re excited to explore more opportunities that align with his inter...
Read more