Age: Adult

Disability: Autism

Regional Center: Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center (FDLRC)

Job: Student and Comic Bookstore Employee

Where Louis started: From a young age, Louis loved drawing. He drew on anything he could find, even covering his room’s walls and ceiling with his art. Louis is now an adult with Autism. He always wanted to work and earn money. While in school, he participated in the district’s workability program and the Department of Rehabilitation’s student services to gain work experience. However, these were all entry-level jobs with limited options, mostly involving stocking shelves. Although these jobs had the potential to teach him basic skills like punctuality, customer interaction, and timecard submission, he was unpaid and treated more like a volunteer. He had little support or guidance, as job coaches were not allowed.

What wasn’t working: After high school, the regional center offered a creative arts program for people with Autism. Louis wanted to combine his love of computers and art, but delays in funding for a suitable computer hindered his progress. The program was also too rigid, with set hours and projects that didn’t meet his individual needs. This left Louis feeling discouraged and uninterested in working or continuing his education.

What Works for Louis in the SDP: Louis attended What Works for Us, where he learned how the self-determination program could help him with employment. He updated his person-centered plan to outline his employment goals and the support he needs. The funds previously used in the traditional system could now be tailored to meet his specific needs. This allowed him to focus on both employment and education at the same time.

Louis started working with customized employment. He knew since he was just starting out in the work world that he still had to do entry-level jobs to gain experience. But he wanted to be in an environment where he was valued. His first paid internship was at his favorite comic bookstore, where he used his knowledge of a card game called Magick: The Gathering to sort and categorize daily shipments. It was a perfect match. It rebuilt his confidence.
What Works for Us inspired him to follow his dream of creating a micro-enterprise for his art. Louis is working with an organization that will help him create marketable art. He learned about employment and social benefits in the second training. Louis has hired a person to assist him in developing a Pass Plan so he can save money for his business and reduce the impact on his SSI. He is working to find someone to assist in creating a business plan.
Louis also returned to education. After his initial program experience, he doubted his abilities in programming and 3D design. However, through the self-determination program, he found an individualized program that moved at his pace and offered flexible hours. With the right computer, he is now creating a video game based on his own characters and world.