James was injured at age 2 resulting in a traumatic brain injury. Prior to
his current job, he worked in a sheltered workshop. James reports that he
disliked the environment at the workshop, which led to challenging
behaviors and eventually in termination. He knew he wanted to work but not
at the workshop. James went through a local supported employment agency in
Richmond, Virginia to find his current position. For the past year, James
has been working at Pizza Hut. He is responsible for folding pizza boxes.
James loves his job. "They all care a lot about me," James says
referring to his coworkers. He says that if he is having a bad day,
"they try and talk problems out with me." James keeps up with a
steady production rate of 50 boxes per hour. He says that sometimes he
will have a bad day and his production is lower but "everyone has bad
days." James reports that his life has changed a lot since he has
been working at Pizza Hut. "I am not as bored or angry anymore. I
feel more independent."