Easterseals celebrates Autism Awareness Month

To Herman "Jamie" Powell, who works at Johnny Janosik, every day is a puzzle he enjoys figuring out. Jamie, who has autism, enjoys his job and benefits from the support he receives through Easter Seals Supported Employment services.

"The best part about my job is assembling the furniture and putting the pieces together," Jamie said. "It is fun to figure out which piece goes where. It's like a puzzle."

Easter Seals celebrates National Autism Awareness Month in April and recognizes the many needs of the growing population of people whose lives are touched by autism either personally or through a family member. Easter Seals accommodates those needs through a myriad of services offered, including adult day programs, supported employment services, children's therapy services, services for caregivers and especially Camp Fairlee, an accessible camp for children and adults with disabilities.

Johnny Janosik is so pleased with the job that Jamie does, he was recently recognized as Employee of the Month. "Everyone tells me they love having me there. My boss tells me he wishes there were 10 more people out there like me," Jamie said. "I am always there to help when others need a hand. It's like working with family."

On top of loving his job, Jamie also likes the spending money he gets from working. As a big movie buff, he enjoys using the money he earns to add to his movie collection and to go to the movie theater. His favorite movies are the X-Men series.

Supported employment services, which Easterseals has provided for over 20 years, matches participants with jobs in local businesses so they can earn competitive wages with the assistance of job coaching and training. Once trained in their position, participants work on their own to gain more independence. Ongoing supports are provided to help participants be successful in the job. Group employment opportunities are also available.

For more information about how Easter Seals helps children and adults with disabilities, call 800-677-3800 or go to www.de.easterseals.com.