Employment Success Series

When One Option Didn’t Work, Gabe Tried Another:

Gabe graduated from high school and Project SEARCH in 2016. After learning transferrable skills through internships, Gabe was hired at Fry’s, where he worked for one year. Eventually, it took a physical toll, and he had to resign.

After job searching for more than 2 years, Gabe relied on his natural supports, who alerted him of a position as a Peer Mentor at the University of Arizona Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities (Sonoran UCEDD).

Gabe is excited about this new opportunity and would not have been able to succeed without the support of his family and coworkers.

What worked?

• Helpful coworkers

• Being able to be creative and brainstorm new projects

• Having supportive coworkers teach me new skills, especially technology while working from home (ex. Zoom)

The Job

Title: Peer Mentor

Employer: University of Arizona, Sonoran UCEDD

Role: Raising awareness while supporting young adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities with life

Hours: Part-time

“If you want to be the best, then you can be a professional.”

-Gabe