Speaking About My Job Search

The Space Coast Center for Independent Living (SCCIL) hosted the "Learn to Earn Summer Youth Program" for at least 30 young people with disabilities July 10-21 at the Holz Center in Melbourne (please refer to my July 3 post to learn more about the Holz Center). Last Friday, I had the pleasure of speaking about my job search experience to the "Learn to Earn" participants during the final hour of the program. Using PowerPoint to supplement my presentation, I described how I obtained my quality analyst job and talked about the roles of self-advocacy, self-determination, and personal support groups in one's job search. A point I emphasized in my speech is job seekers should never give up, even if it takes them years to get their dream job. I was pleased members of the audience were responsive to what I had to say, answering a few questions I asked.

Preparing for my speech made me reflect on the gratitude I have for my current job. The process I went through to become employed by J.Lodge three years ago wasn't easy. I wish for the "Learn to Earn" participants the best of luck in their job search. For more information about SCCIL, go to https://www.sccil.net/.

As I reminded the "Learn to Earn" participants in my speech, Wednesday, July 26, is the 27th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

I with some "Learn to Earn" participants