Amanda ….She’s sorting it all out!

Occupation: File clerk

Amanda T. was referred to VESID in her senior year by the Transition Coordinator of the Broome-Tioga BOCES Oak Tree Program.  Amanda, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, was a well-rounded, active student.  She was a volunteer with the Animal Care Council, and worked in the school library sorting and shelving books.  She was also active in her community, speaking to various service organizations, agencies and school districts, including Broome Community College, about autism and offering suggestions about what helps and what hinders those who are autistic.

Amanda’s VESID counselor worked with her to identify a supported employment program that would meet her needs.  Amanda was referred to Community Options in Binghamton, which helped her plan for employment after graduation.  With the help of a job coach, Amanda was hired and trained as a file clerk for the radiology department at Wilson General Medical Center in Johnson City.  Amanda loves her job, and her employer is very pleased with her performance.  Amanda’s coworkers are very supportive, and recently threw a 20th birthday party for her at work, complete with decorations and presents.

Amanda’s interest in sorting things is put to good use in her position at Wilson.  She has made friends among her coworkers, and now needs minimal contact with her Community Options job coach.  Thanks to the partnership between BOCES, VESID, and Community Options, Amanda was able to “sort her way through” the transition from school to work, and is successfully balancing her job, her community work, and her leisure time.

Dorothy Marinaccio, Regional Marketing Coordinator
Binghamton District Office