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Project SEARCH Graduate Brandon Lands First Job at Hylton Performing Arts Center

Project SEARCH Graduate Brandon Lands First Job at Hylton Performing Arts Center

October 20, 2022 / Jennifer Kuper / News
man smiling while holding both sides of his name badge
Brandon proudly shows his Hylton Performing Arts Center name badge on his first day at work.

Brandon started his employment journey with Didlake as a Project SEARCH program intern during the 2021-2022 school year at the UVA Prince William Medical Center in Manassas. He completed three internship rotations, in the hospital’s Materials Management, Patient Transport and Linens departments. With the support of his Didlake job coach, Employment Specialist III Theresa Polk, and Prince William County Schools Skills Instructor Heather Brown, he learned hard and soft skills to help him excel in the internship and future employment.

As graduation approached, Brandon began looking for opportunities to put his job skills to work. After 13 unsuccessful applications, his perseverance paid off. On June 7, Brandon presented about his skills and job interests during Didlake’s inaugural Business Advisory Council (BAC) meeting. The BAC is a group of local business and community professionals who strive to advance and increase employment options and opportunities for people with disabilities. Staff from the Hylton Performing Arts Center, a founding member of the BAC, invited Brandon to do a situational assessment at the theater. Situational assessments provide opportunities for individuals to learn about and try different jobs, assess interests and determine what types of jobs would be a good fit.

The day after the situational assessment, the Hylton Performing Arts Center offered Brandon a job as an Usher. When Polk told him the good news, “He jumped up and threw his arms around me and then around the instructor, Heather. He was pumping his fists in the air saying ‘I got the job, I got the job!’ People around the hospital stopped to cheer! It was a very touching moment,” said Polk.

“My job is perfect. I get to escort people to their seats. Sometimes I get to do ticket scanning and sometimes I get to watch the play or band. Later, I check the seats to see if anyone left any personal items like glasses or phones,” Brandon said. “I am able to take responsibility and adapt quickly.  I may need help because of my disability, Autism.  There are good people there that can help.”

man standing in a theater, holding a flashlight that is turned on
Brandon tests his flashlight, which he will use to show guests to their seats.

Brandon works independently for the most part, with support as needed from Polk and his supervisor, Victoria Unterberger. “He has grown in learning new skills and adapting to a new work environment that he had not otherwise experienced. His soft skills are getting stronger, and he is beginning to learn his schedule and responsibilities as an usher,” Unterberger said.

Regarding working with Didlake’s Employment Services Program, Unterberger said, “​​​​It has allowed us to expand our hiring opportunities to a new community. This creates a more fulfilling work environment and learning experience for all ushers, supervisors, and coordinators involved. By working with the Employment Services Program, we are able to better enrich our employee environment with diversity and learning opportunities. I would highly encourage it as a course of action for hiring… Every Didlake job coach and employee is always willing to find new ways for their mentee to succeed.”

Brandon says having a job makes him “feel that I am now a grown-up.” When he’s not busy working, Brandon likes to relax and hang out with his dog and family.

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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our History
    • Our Commitment to Quality & Exceptional Service
    • Executive Leadership
    • Affiliations & Memberships
    • Corporate Credentials & Licensing
    • Community Outreach and Partnerships
    • Integrity: Our Whistleblower Policy
    • Blog
    • Didlake in the News
    • News
    • Press Releases
    • Newsletter Signup
    • Contact Us
  • Our Services
    • Business Services for Government
      • Didlake Core Capabilities – NAICS & NIGP
      • We Deliver Expert Knowledge & Exceptional Quality
      • Partner With Us
    • Business Services
      • Didlake Document Imaging
      • Didlake Photo Imaging
      • The UPS Store 6272 at George Mason University
      • The UPS Store 6631 at Center at Innovation
  • Our Programs
    • Day Support Program
      • The Community Engagement Program
      • The Group Day Program
      • Volunteerism — A Day Support Activity
      • Tour Our Program Locations
      • Eligibility | Funding & Payment Options
      • How We Work With You
    • Employment Services Program for People with Disabilities
      • Didlake Supported Employment Services
      • Pre-Employment Transition Services for High School Students
      • Transitioning from High School to the Workforce
      • Our Employment Services Team
  • Support Our Mission
    • Disability Resources for Businesses
    • We Create Opportunities
    • Support Didlake
    • Advocacy
  • Careers at Didlake
    • Apply for a Job
    • Disability Documentation Requirements
    • Reasonable Accommodations
    • We Invest in Our People
    • AbilityOne® Program Jobs
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  • Employment Services Program for People with Disabilities
    • Didlake Supported Employment Services
    • Pre-Employment Transition Services for High School Students
    • Transitioning from High School to the Workforce
    • Our Employment Services Team
  • Day Support Program
    • The Community Engagement Program
    • The Group Day Program
    • Volunteerism — A Day Support Activity
    • Tour Our Program Locations
    • Eligibility | Funding & Payment Options
    • How We Work With You
  • Business Services for Government
    • Didlake Core Capabilities – NAICS & NIGP
    • Expert Knowledge & Exceptional Quality
  • Business Services
    • Didlake Document Imaging
    • Didlake Photo Imaging
    • The UPS Store 6631 at Center at Innovation
  • About Us
    • Affiliations & Memberships
    • Blog
    • Community Outreach and Partnerships
    • Contact Us
    • Corporate Credentials & Licensing
    • Didlake in the News
    • Integrity: Our Whistleblower Policy
    • News
    • Our Commitment to Quality & Exceptional Service
    • Our History
    • Press Releases
    • Newsletter Signup
    • Pay Your Invoice
  • Careers at Didlake
    • Apply for a Job
    • Disability Documentation Requirements
    • Reasonable Accommodations
    • We Invest in Our People
    • AbilityOne® Program Jobs
  • Support Our Mission
    • We Create Opportunities
    • Support Didlake

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