From Job Search Woes to IT Pros: BAC's LaunchIT, CAI Help People with Disabilities

An organization in SourceAmerica's AbilityOne authorized provider network is giving people with disabilities the skills they need to pursue a career in information technology. Brevard Achievement Center's LaunchIT program gave Joseph Ajjan the skills, confidence, and connections he needed to enter the world of IT and thrive in it.

Finding a job can be a challenge. The application process can be long, tedious and sometimes, it may feel like one dead end after another. That is exactly what Ajjan experienced in his initial job search.

"Despite diligently applying to jobs, I found it difficult to make a breakthrough in the recruitment process," Ajjan said.

As Ajjan continued his job search, he decided to start taking classes to sharpen his skills. A career advisor at ServiceSource, an organization that helps neurodivergent individuals find work opportunities, suggested he apply for LaunchIT.

"We discussed the details of the course and what intrigued me most was how it would help me develop both my technical skills and business knowledge," Ajjan said.

The LaunchIT Adult Program is a six-month live virtual program designed for veterans or adults with disabilities who have an interest in a career in the IT industry. Brevard Achievement Center (BAC) and Codecraft Works partnered to create the program offering two professional certification tracks: Accessible Web Design and Development Specialist and IT Support Professional. People of varying abilities from all over the nation earn internationally recognized certifications that could lead to a long list of career possibilities.

SourceAmerica, which connects people with disabilities to employment opportunities, joined in to support the program and the individuals hoping to complete the certification. Starting in 2021, SourceAmerica sponsored half of the cost for these individuals to go through the program and increase their career advancement potential through information technology careers. Ajjan applied for the LaunchIT program, and he was accepted into the first cohort sponsored by SourceAmerica.

During his six months in the program, Ajjan says he learned to use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create webpages and how to design mock-up applications. LaunchIT also taught career development courses that helped Ajjan improve his resume, cover letters, and emails. While the program set him up for success with important new skills and tools, it also led him to a very meaningful connection.

During LaunchIT's career skills sessions, guest speakers are invited to share their experiences. During one of those sessions, Ajjan's class heard from Nick Allen, a recruiter for CAI Neurodiverse Solutions. Allen explained how CAI helps neurodivergent individuals connect with employers that have open jobs. CAI's mentors help provide job support and help individuals maintain that employment. What he said next is what really piqued Ajjan's interest. Allen told the class CAI offers some jobs in the technology field.

After Ajjan completed LaunchIT, he reached out to Allen to learn more. Ajjan attended CAI's Talent Discovery Session, which assessed his teamwork, communication, and technical skills. Then, CAI Neurodiverse Solutions helped Ajjan find a job as a Quality Assurance Analyst with an insurance company. Over the years, Ajjan has been able to use his skills and learn new ones, but his favorite part of the role is working with different teams and learning about new processes. One of his accomplishments that brings him the most pride is participating in product releases with other teams.

"Seeing my efforts be part of a successful product launch is really fulfilling, especially because I get to work closely with other teams who were a part of it," Ajjan said.

What started as a way to sharpen his skills led to one meaningful connection after another. Those connections helped Ajjan create a path to a new career and helped change his life in many meaningful ways.

"I've learned to collaborate effectively in a business setting, gained confidence in my strengths and abilities, and have become more independent as a result," Ajjan said. "The experience has been transformative, and I am eager to continue growing within CAI Neurodiverse Solutions and utilizing my abilities to make a difference."

Learn more about BAC and LaunchIT to see if you qualify for the program. BAC also offers a LaunchIT Youth Program. This 60-hour program is designed for students between the ages of 14 and 21 who have an IEP or a 504 plan and enrolled in school or post-secondary school.