The journey to success is paved with Independent Living skills for Nathan, an autistic 20-year-old. Nathan experiences social anxiety and finds staying focused difficult. Nathan was referred to Disability Network to work on soft skills, financial literacy, and self-advocacy. Staff and Nathan initially worked on applying for Medicaid for his health insurance. Then together they worked on soft skills, such as problem solving, decision making, communication, goal setting, time management, and team work. They also worked on interviewing skills.
In addition to working with Disability Network staff, Nathan completed online activities and assessments as part of the training for not only soft skills, but also financial literacy and self-advocacy. Staff and Nathan identified on-going services that could be available to him through Community Mental Health in his community. With the help of Disability Network staff, Nathan was connected to CMH for supports coordination and supportive employment services.
When asked about his experience working with Disability Network, Nathan said “Working with Disability Network staff has been an amazing journey for me. I was not only able to have a good worker, but also a good friend from Disability Network.”