Joel and his sister, Kandace
Finding possibilities
Joel’s autism presents unique challenges, but through the support of his family and his ability to be independent, Joel is able to do so much more.
Did you know that The Rapid offers programs designed to help those who may require further assistance to ride our buses, at no cost? Learn more about how the Rapid can help you learn to ride.Kandace:
I want Joel to have every opportunity that the other folks in this household has. So, I like that he feels accomplished at the end of his work day and that we can have something more to discuss than what was on Price Is Right.
This weekend, I wasn’t feeling well. He gave me a kiss on the forehead and he walked to the bus stop and took the bus to church on his own. I’m glad that he’s able to do those things without the feeling of a babysitter, or the need to have us that close.
Tyler:
Joel is one of our top-tier workers. He is very capable, he’s always willing to help out, and he’s always going. He’s got a great work ethic. He’s not dependent on someone to get him somewhere.
He can use his own strength, his own proficiency to arrive and go to work. It’s that next step of being independent again. He gets to sit on the bus, next to other people going to their jobs. Just like everybody else.
The Rapid allows our guys to achieve a level of independence that would not be open to them otherwise.
Kandace:
He’s a pleasant surprise, and a source of happiness for me. To see him happy and to see him thrive, there’s joy for me.
Joel y su hermana, Kandace.
Kandace:
Quiero que Joel tenga las mismas oportunidades que los demás miembros de este hogar. Quiero que se sienta realizado cada día cuando acaba de trabajar y que podamos tener algo de lo que hablar que no sea El precio justo.
Este fin de semana no me encontré bien. Me dio un beso en la frente y caminó hasta la parada del bus, tomó el bus y se fue a la iglesia el solo. Estoy contenta de que sea capaz de hacer ese tipo de cosas sin sentirse como si fuera una niñera o que tengamos que estar siempre tan juntos.
Tyler:
Joel es uno de nuestros trabajadores de primer nivel. Es muy capaz, siempre está dispuesto a ayudar y es muy activo. Tiene una magnífica ética laboral. No depende de nadie para llegar a dónde quiere.
Puede usar su propia fortaleza, sus propias competencias, para llegar e ir a trabajar. Es ese próximo paso de volver a ser independiente. Se sienta en el bus al lado de otras personas que van a trabajar. Como todo el mundo.
The Rapid permite que nuestros chicos adquieran un nivel de independencia al que, de otro modo, jamás tendrían acceso.
Kandace:
Para mí es una sorpresa agradable y una fuente de felicidad. Verlo feliz y prosperar me llena de alegría.
