MEET CHRIS

Chris Wheeler, like many other individuals with autism, felt at a loss when he faced the prospect of joining the workforce. But that changed when Chris took part in Project SEARCH, a program designed to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain workplace experience through internships

Chris underwent nine months of classroom training and hands-on internship experience, learning the skills needed to be successful in the workplace. He completed his internship at Centene Corporation, a managed care organization, working in the on-site bistro and mailroom for eight months, full-time. After his internship, Chris was paired with a job coach to help him land full-time employment elsewhere.

More than 80 percent of Easterseals Midwest Project SEARCH graduates find competitive employment in their communities, an award-winning percentage at the 2019 Project SEARCH National Conference.

Chris began working at Mercy Hospital South as a food technician. Chris says the skills he learned at his internship have helped him in his new position. And thanks to that position, he now has a clear vision for what he wants to do with his future.

“Applying to jobs when you have autism makes it really difficult in most places. I went through a lot of change and learned that I can be open to anything and can handle a job and a lot of work. I also learned how to trust people and not give up. My long-term goal is I want to work with people with special needs beyond what most people would care to help. In my current job, I see people day in and day out with disabilities. I not only serve them, but I work with them. I feel like I’m training to work with people with special needs.” -Chris W.