Meet Sarah

Sarah is a passionate and driven young woman who enjoys the theatre, and is an advocate for disability rights with JJ’s List, an organization that teaches disability awareness to businesses across the Chicagoland area. Sarah has also volunteered at various theaters, where she performs, develops programming, and mentors others.

Sarah and her employment specialist started the Customized Employment process in November 2019. Beginning with Discovery, Sarah and her employment specialist explored her contributions, interests, and conditions for employment.

The employment specialist learned that Sarah’s skills included:

  • Memorizing scripts;

  • Initiating, coordinating, and planning social events;

  • Observing details for collaborative problem solving;

  • Using various forms of technology, including technology that was not familiar to her;

  • Using knowledge to train and share information; and

  • Adapting information to fit an audience.

Her ideal considerations for employment included:

  • Time to process information;

  • An accessible environment;

  • A place with limited auditory distractions;

  • A schedule based around afternoon hours; and

  • A socially active environment.

With Sarah’s interests, considerations, and contributions in mind, her Employment Specialist identified Possibilities Theatre Company as a possible employer. Her Employment Specialist spoke with the theatre director to pitch the idea of creating a role for Sarah. The director admitted their budget was rather limited, but the employment specialist explained how Sarah could increase their revenue.

After a few conversations with the Director, they worked together to create the job of Creative Director Consultant, tasks which included writing content, expanding their website and blog, assisting with interns, and pitching and directing creative projects. The position is project-based and allows Sarah the flexibility to work from home while participating in other social obligations. Sarah began working at Possibilities Theatre in October 2020 and has since written marketing material for some of their shows. Sarah’s goal is to advocate and teach others about disability awareness through theatre. With her position at Possibilities Theatre, her goal became a reality.

This story was submitted by JCFS Duman Opportunity Center.