My Start with HireAbility Vermont
Before I got connected with HireAbility, things felt a lot tougher. I was diagnosed with my disability at age eight, and for a long time, it was my parents who did most of the advocating. Over time, I started learning how to speak up for myself; by middle school I was going to every IEP meeting, and by high school I was running them. But even with that growth, I didn’t really know what services were out there to support me.
That changed during my freshman year of high school. A special educator introduced me to HireAbility Vermont and said it could be a great fit. I figured, why not? From there, I started working with counselors, lots of them over the years, but every transition was smooth because they really took the time to understand me. They helped me with everything from school supplies to job prep and even finding my very first job at Mt. Ascutney Hospital, where I stayed for four years. I’m honestly beyond grateful for how much HireAbility supported me through my education and employment journey.
What HireAbility Vermont Means to Me
HireAbility gave me more than just financial support or access to grants, it gave me confidence. They helped me build my first resume, walked me through job applications, and always believed in me, even when I was just starting out. One counselor told me, “You earned this,” and that always stuck with me. That support made such a difference.
HireAbility also led me to the Youth Advocacy Council, where I became a founding member in 2018. One of my proudest moments was speaking at the State House with the governor and later sharing my full personal story at a youth summit, where so many people told me they felt inspired. That showed me just how powerful advocacy can be and how far I’d come.
Thanks to HireAbility, I’ve learned how to advocate, grown more independent, and stayed motivated, even through the tough parts. College especially pushed me to grow, and I graduated from Plymouth State in May 2025 with a bachelor’s in Youth Development. Now I’m job searching in the education field, aiming to be a classroom assistant or Para and eventually earn my master’s in special education.
My Advice for Anyone Thinking About Connecting with HireAbility Vermont
Give it a try, it never hurts to try something new. If something doesn’t feel like the right fit, HireAbility will work with you to change the plan. That flexibility is huge, especially if you’re unsure about college or what’s next after high school. Whether you go to community college, jump straight into work, or take time to figure it out, HireAbility can help guide you and connect you to what fits best for you.
There’s so much more behind me than what people might see. I had surgery at 14 months old for craniosynostosis and experienced seizures as a baby. Still, at 22, I’m here with a degree, a strong work ethic, and a lot of hope for what’s ahead. If I can do it, others can too with the right support, like HireAbility.