My JSSA Story: Jason, an Out and About! Participant
Jason*, age 30, describes himself as a bit of a nerd.
“I like comics, TV, games, movies, and the internet,” he said. “I also enjoy writing fan-fiction — stories about preexisting characters in preexisting franchises. I’ve written two stories with over a million words. Really need to finish one of them one of these days…”
If Jason’s too busy to write, it’s for a good reason. He’s often busy with Out & About!, a JSSA social club for young adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and related challenges. Jason has been active since 2012, attending most of the group’s monthly events.
“I have Asperger’s, so I don’t always do well in social situations. The best thing about Out & About! is that I get to participate in a variety of fun activities with people like myself. It has allowed me to do things I might never have done on my own,” he explained. Some of Jason’s favorite Out & About! activities include laser tag, zip lining, and painting ceramics, and he always enjoys the annual Halloween party.
Last year, Jason began working with JSSA’s Specialized Employment services to find a job that utilized his master’s degree in library science. He had already managed to secure several internships and short-term jobs and was looking for something involving archival work, records, and library management, preferably in the federal government. After what he described as “rigorous” interview training, resume building, and cover-letter tailoring at JSSA, Jason landed his current position at the National Archives, a job he can see becoming a career.
“JSSA’s dedicated to helping make a difference in the lives of people like me. At least for me, I’d say they’re succeeding.”
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