VR success stories?

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Hey gang major update:

I just got back from a meeting at VR and talked with my case manager and luck would have it I don't have to worry about going back to goodwill for their "community re-integration" program nor do I have to settle for a retail job as of this time it looks as if I am suited for an office job dealing mostly with computers and possibly a chance to get into the broadcast field However education may have to take a back seat if I am picked up for a day job I will see if my local college offers night classes so that I don't give up on that.

So right now I have to dust off my resume fwd it to my case mgr whom will in turn fwd to their job specialist whom will in turn meet with me to discuss where I want to go and want to do.

So that's the update I have for now.

That's good! They've got you going in the right direction now. It's such a slow process though I'm finding. Still no date for my course. Although I'm still hoping for the cafeteria job in the meantime.

Excellent!

Another update I got a call from a job specialist yesterday (a sub contractor for my local VR office) and we went back and forth with the types of jobs I want the environment I would like to work in the people pay benefits etc he shoved a bunch of feel good publicity about what he does in my face including the line "we don't warehouse people" I told him I really wanted to get into the more technical side of the field rather then being the guy in front of the camera/mic I also told him that I will be more then willing to take an office job working with computers word processing scanning entry level admin service(s) as well as general office work and that I'd be open to traveling in the city and surrounding areas as I know that the bulk of the decent paying jobs are located. He also asked me what some of my barriers were to getting/sustaining employment I told him I had Autism and that from time to time it's hard for me to pick up on social cues it's difficult for me to pick up on facial expressions and/or to pick up on the tone of people's voices (sarcasm sincere) to which he wanted to shove a class in front of me which I saw it as another delay to actually getting a job so I said no I want to work I'd rather be left alone when working and have social chit-chat to a minimum.

Finally,after talking about a few of my past jobs he mentioned that I may have to settle for "doing something that I may not like for a while" to which I told him retail food hospitality and warehouse jobs are out. and that I'd settle for receptionist or mailroom clerk at any local TV stations or general office work to which we said "we'll see what's out there and whats a best match for you"

I have a meeting with this person this Friday and me another person will be talking more in depth about what he will be doing to help and see if there's an hidden agenda with him i.e. sticking me in a remedial job.

So just another update hopefully things are heading in the right direction.

I think these vocational rehab programs are more about keeping one busy than anything else. I think they've written us off as being actually productive, so they just want to keep us participating. Not much to hope for really. I got a message that my program starts on Monday. I can only imagine the humiliating process it will be.

Well got some good new if not GREAT news!

Today I talked 1:1 with a director a company whom specializes in helping people get to work after we talked and he asked me why I wanted to get into the broadcasting field I told him about the knowledge that I poses and after asking me to simulate a conversation where he'd be the person at the TV station and he wanted me to use "technical talk" as that is the lingo that would be used in the field he was thoroughly impressed with the depth of knowledge that I possess just as somebody with no college exp.

So we're going to fine tune my resume and practice a "30 sec elevator talk" using at much tech talk as possible then he's going to try to get me into the door with one of the media outlets here and see if I can be brought in as an intern or possibly an employee!

Sounds cool, Joel!

It seems like your "sponsor" really wants you to work at something you enjoy.

I'm finally meeting with VR next week to set up my WAT. I've been working but learning is probably a better word with computers the last couple months and will continue to do so but now I will get paid a little bit.

That's great JoelFan and Jacoby!

And I am sorry for the negative tenor of my previous post in this thread.
I had my first day today. And it was a very positive experience. Our workshop leader is young, but seems to be quite smart and to know what she is doing.
It's a two month program, so I am officially "doing something." Woohoo!

That's great, Ann!

Do you know what your placement will be?

I hope it's not Tim Hortons! LOL

Lol, I hope not! Don't know yet.

You should use Henry as a recruiting tool

Well, I completed my first week of VR. It is heavily based in CBT and is starting to give me a headache. All the mental twisting has me feeling a bit down. It's a 2 month course. I hope we get to some more practical things soon.

I decided to get a shock collar for Henry and it is working great! He has been sleeping when I've gotten home this week.

Our councillor is incredibly enthusiastic. And relentlessly sticks to the program. She's a high functioning neurotypical.

I hope Henry sleeps well.