Feature Issue on Employment and IDD

Joey Kane and a colleague at work in a nursing home.

I’ve been working with Meghan Burke and others on research projects having to do with employment and independent living. We’re just getting started, but it’s about talking to people about their lives and finding out what they need.

Growing up, I lived with my parents in Seattle, and I have two sisters and one brother, who I am very close to. I’m the youngest, the baby. All my siblings went to college, and I went to a three-year transition program, where I spent two years at a nursing home doing on-the-job training to learn what it’s like to have a job. I was working in the cafeteria, doing things for residents, and helping at the day care. After working at the nursing home, I did on-the-job training through Seattle Children’s transitional program at the autism center. I’m a people person, so I love working with both young and old people. In those early jobs I learned about showing up on time, using public transportation, and how to get along with coworkers.

While in high school, I worked for the Seattle Mariners baseball team and at the stadium where the Seattle Seahawks play. One of the biggest benefits of the Mariners job was getting to watch the games after I was finished handing out the bobblehead giveaways. My whole family loves sports, so that was great. One of the challenges was making sure each person just gets one item per night. Sometimes they ask to get more for a friend, but the rule was one per person, so I had to say I’m sorry. I still watch as many games as I can, and in fact I’m going to the game tonight.

Today I live in my own apartment and have been working since high school. I currently have two jobs. I work at Providence Mount St. Vincent, and three days a week I am an assistant teacher for the adult program at the Down Syndrome Center of Puget Sound. I started DSC as a board member, and I liked being there so much that I advocated for myself by asking if there was a job opportunity for me. I’m excited to help the students learn different life skills. Helping them become more independent, like cooking for themselves, engaging with peers, and practicing self-advocacy. I also have a strong connection at the Mount because I’ve been there a long time. I started in middle school as a volunteer and then I loved it so much and wanted to be around the residents more. That’s when I got hired to work in the cafeteria. I had trouble cutting things like avocadoes, and folding napkins with silverware in them, because I had dexterity problems. I practiced and worked at it a lot and now I’m good at it.

I still volunteer at the Mount three days each week, leading things like exercise class, horseshoes, and bingo. While I volunteer or work, I go around and give the residents a hug and make sure they know I’m there for them. A lot of the times they will say to me they’re so glad I’m here, and we love you so much. They also tell me how grateful they are to have me here. It makes me feel great.

If I were pitching my good qualities as a worker, I’d say I’m always on time and never miss shifts. I bring love to my co-workers and the residents. Having enthusiasm is what it’s all about. I really like the people I work with, and I want them to know they are appreciated. I want people to believe in themselves. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do.