Brendan

A Work Without Limits
Employment Network Success Story

For me, getting a job was a critical step toward achieving independent living. I wanted to understand what it meant to work, earn money, and build responsibility. I looked for work for a long time and did a lot of volunteer work when I was in high school. Eventually I was hired at Burger King—and this is my story…

Challenges

One of my biggest challenges was finding employment without having a high school diploma. Thankfully, Burger King was willing to give me an opportunity. When I first started, I focused primarily on cleaning tasks, which was challenging due to the volume and variety of messes in the restaurant. Over time, I transitioned into kitchen work, where I learned new responsibilities, including food preparation and safety procedures.

Support

My stepmother, Kelly, has been a strong advocate for me to find services and maintain employment. The Department of Developmental Services and the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative connected me with New England Business Associates, who provided invaluable support by:

• Assisting me with resume development and guiding me through the interview process
• Supporting my efforts to complete my High School Equivalency Test (HiSET)
• Helping me secure my job at Burger King
• Providing ongoing job coaching as I learn and take on new responsibilities
• Referring me to Work Without Limits for additional employment and benefits support

Benefits Counseling

Since I was interested in increasing my work hours, partnering with an Employment Network aligned with my employment goals. Work Without Limits helped me better understand my benefits and assisted me in assigning my Ticket to Work. One major benefit of assigning my Ticket is protection from medical reviews with Social Security during this time.

My benefits counselor, Marjorie Longo, helped me understand how increased earnings could affect my Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). My employer had already provided workplace accommodations, and Marjorie assisted in implementing an employer subsidy, which allowed me to increase my hours. This approach helped bridge the gap—enabling me to work more while continuing to receive SSDI until I am ready to transition to full-time employment. She also supported me in understanding Social Security Administration letters, navigating ongoing paperwork, and managing Medicare and Medicaid.

I have been employed at Burger King since 2017, and have over nine years of continuous employment. I am proud to share that I have been named Employee of the Month five times!

*Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative is a state-funded program that builds partnerships between high schools in public school districts and the state’s public institutions of higher education (IHEs) to develop inclusive concurrent enrollment programs for students with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 22.