August 7, 2025 • 30 mins
In this inspiring episode of The Didlake Difference, we sit down with Brandon, a former Project SEARCH student whose journey is a testament to resilience, growth, and the power of opportunity. Alongside him is Theresa, his dedicated support throughout the program, who shares her perspective on Brandon’s development and achievements. Together, they reflect on the impact of Project SEARCH, the importance of personalized support, and what it means to discover your potential in the workplace and beyond.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(01:00:00):
This is the Didlake Difference.
The show all about creating
and promoting opportunitiesfor people with disabilities.
Each episode will bring you expertinsights and relatable topics
that ignite meaningful conversationsand inspire change within our communities.
(01:00:27):
Welcome back to The Didlake Difference podcast.
In this episode,I sat down with two special guests.
Theresa.
A Didlake Employment Specialist,who works closely with individuals
navigating the path to employment.
And Brandon, a former ProjectSEARCH student who successfully
transitioned into the workforceafter completing the internship program.
Do you have any vacation plans?Do either of you have any vacation plans?
(01:00:48):
No. Just- Maybe just relax,spend some time with my family.
Good, Good.
What about you, Theresa?
Going to Charleston,
For the July 4th weekend.
Alright!
We're empty nesters, so now the adults are having fun.
Very nice.
That's it.
Just little jaunts. How about you?Yeah.
I was in Italy last month.
(01:01:10):
Oh.So that was my-
That’s yours!Yeah, that was my big summer vacation.
Now I'm kind of just trying to relax a little.Where were you going in Italy?
I went to-
I was in the north of Italy,so I spent some time in Lake Como.
I was able to see-
I wish! I saw Alba,which was really, really beautiful.
It's like the wine region.
(01:01:30):
And then I spent some time in Chamonix
France as well, because they're all, like,super close to each other.
Yeah, so it's really cool.
Yeah.
Can't wait for my parents to see this.
Including my sister.
You know, when it does hit.
You know? Yeah.Yep.
To see what they think.
Yeah.
Are you close with your family?
Yes.
(01:01:50):
I, well, I live with my parents.
My sister, she used to live with us,but now she lives with her boyfriend.
Yeah. Yep.
Oh, but they're very supportive,I imagine.
Yes. My parents, they-You know, they do help me out.
Yeah.
What was their reaction when you told themthat you were going to come on here?
Well,
they were happy.
I know that, and my mom,she just told me, you know,
(01:02:13):
she wished me luck for the podcast,and I said thank you.
She said that I'm going to do great. You know?
Yeah, I think I am. Yeah.
I think you are, too.
Yeah.That’s awesome!
He says he's nervous,but he's very confident.
Yeah. Yeah.
A little confident. I mean, I managed-
You can move the pillow at the bottom.
Yeah. Feel-
Yep! Do whatever you need to feel comfortable.Yeah. Yeah.
I mean, I was a little nervouswhen I was graduating high school,
(01:02:34):
You know, because I had to
walk up a stadium to receive,you know, a few things.
And then, also a little nervous for the,you know, speech for Project SEARCH.
You know, you got to give a graduationspeech at Project SEARCH, and I did.
Yeah.
And then I managed to speak upabout my disability at my job.
And it was pretty good.Wow, that's very cool.
So you haven't done like a podcastbut you have done other speaking.
(01:02:58):
Sort of.
Yes. I've done a speech.
I-,Uh, done a speak up. Yeah.
So when you were doing the Project SEARCH speech, do you remember-?
I know it was a while ago.
This is like what? 2021?23.
22, actually. 22, 22.
So that was a while ago. Yeah.
But do you rememberkind of what your speech was about?
(01:03:20):
Well, I guess my speech was about how, you know
that I'm very proud of myselffor, you know, where I'm at, you know.
Yeah.
And that I, you know, thank my parents,
including my family, for,you know, helping me.
You know, I remember,
When I was still at Project SEARCH,we would use to watch Undercover Boss.
You know that show? I've never watched it.
(01:03:41):
No, what's it about?
It's about bosses that you know, goundercover-
To dress up, as employees-
See what they, you know, other employees do.
And then learning a few thingsabout their employees.
And yeah, it's very it's very nice.
It's, it's a good lessonto say what that employee did wrong.
Right. Yeah.
(01:04:02):
Oh, Okay.
There's some, you know, good employeesand there are some bad employees
That, you know, need to be reminded that
you know, they shouldn't, you know,do what they just, you know, did.
That's a very good point.
That's a good show. Yeah. It is.
I’m going to have to watch it!
Yeah. It's a good show.
Yeah it is.
Most of the bossesthe undercovers like “Really?
(01:04:22):
It still looks like you.”
Yeah. It does still look like them.
So they put on a wig or a mulletor something or dye their hair.
That's funny.
So you think like they knowit's a little scripted?
Yeah.Like Okay. Yeah.
But the idea is good. Yes.
I'm gonna have to look into it.
Okay I wanted to-Okay. Awesome!
(01:04:43):
So, Brandon.
I really wanted to just know.
Tell me a little bit about,
You know, your job at the HyltonPerforming Arts Center now.
Okay. How's it going?
Oh, it's going good.
Um.... What else?
As you know that I'm an usher.
Ushers there are basically allowedto escort people to their assigned seats.
(01:05:04):
They're also allowed to see,you know, the show.
And they're-what else?
You know there are some eventswhere you know, it's just
General admission where you can just sitwherever you want to sit.
And then at the end of the show
ushers are requiredto do a little bit of a sweep,
meaning that they have to check for lostand found such as glasses, keys, wallets
(01:05:25):
beverages, all kinds of things.
Yeah.
So you have to be very attentive.
Okay. Very cool.
And so to my understandingthis was a role that you got
when you were out of projectSEARCH. Right.
When I was almost out of Project SEARCH.
Okay. Yep.
So can you walk me through a little bitof how you got into your role?
(01:05:46):
Well, let's see,I remember Mrs. Theresa, she took me,
to the Hylton with another usher.
Her name is Kendall. Yeah.
And basically, we,
you know, basically saw the inside,of the place, it looked pretty good.
And then it was also an interview.
So we did the interview,and then after that, then
(01:06:09):
after trying to get jobs and no luck.
And one day, Mrs. Theresa
you know, gathered me,
you know, the other, uh, kids.
And I thought, okay,this is probably going to be bad news.
And it's about the, the Hylton.
And it turns out I got the job,and I was so happy.
(01:06:30):
It was, you know, basically just.
Yes, I was like (01:06:32):
“YES!”
And, you know, as Theresa said I, you know,I gave some hugs and I think I probably did.
Yeah. Yeah.
He says that must have been true.
Yeah.
And people were stopping in the hallway.
Yeah. Cause they heard him.
I got the job They wereclapping for him. Yeah.
And then I told my parentsI got the job, and they were happy.
Awesome, very cool.
(01:06:54):
And so I wanted to ask you a little bitabout that, Theresa,
because I know, like Brandon said,that you had some involvement in that.
So, within your role as the EmploymentSpecialist, kind of.
How did you help Brandonor how did that role come about?
Well, we, um, became part of the BusinessAdvisory Council when Meghan first started
it, and I proposed an ideathat I bring two interns over
(01:07:17):
and do a, PowerPoint presentation on whypeople with disabilities should be hired.
And Brandon did one of them.
And out of that,
Marit from Hylton Performing Arts Centersaid, you need to come over.
And that's when she hooked us up with Tori,who's his current boss.
The rest is history. Yep.
That is very, very cool.
And so the Business Advisory Council.
(01:07:38):
So Meghan spoke a little bit about thatwhen she was on the podcast previously.
And it's, it seems like this was kind
of an unconventional way that Brandonyou were able to get that job, right?
Because it wasn't a traditional applyand go in.
Right? No. It was.
We went for a tour and before we left,she whispered to me: “Send me his resumé.”
(01:07:58):
And then I played a little joke on him.
Yeah. Yep, it's true. She did.
You know, for a moment, I thought thatI did not get the job. But no, I actually did.
Yeah.
So you've been there since 20-
Like we said,it was 2022, right? Yes. Yeah.
So would you say that you've learned,like, what's been your favorite thing
about being there so far?
Well, you know,you get to escort people to their seats
(01:08:20):
and you get to watch, you know,the musicals, the plays, the performance.
And it's pretty good. Yeah.
Have you guys been able to see anything like- any interesting, performances?Together,
What did we see the first time? Oh, yeah.We saw The Sound of Music.
It was.It was pretty good. The performance.
I mean, it was just crazy, you know?
(01:08:40):
Yeah.
But, yeah, it was,you know, it was amazing.
I got to workfor the very first time, and.
Yeah, Ms. Theresa she was there, and she-
It was- I can tell she was proud of me.
Yeah. Oh, That's awesome!
So when you say that Mrs. Theresa was there,
Theresa, what kind of things were you doingwith Brandon?
Like what,
What does that entail, really,when you're supporting him on the job?
(01:09:02):
Usually it's just redirectingif necessary.
Like, okay, here comes somebody.
Brandon will share with you
some of the things that he doeswhen it gets a little overwhelming.
But he just takes redirectionreally well.
And just making sure that he's doingwhat he's supposed to do.
He's he's really fine now.He doesn't really need me.
I, I just gobecause I see what's he doing today.
(01:09:23):
You know, Mutts Gone Nuts was fun.
Yep. Yeah.Have you guys seen more shows together?
Like,have you had the opportunity? No. Not at-
None at this moment.
But, Yeah.
Okay. Yep.
Well, that's very cool.And so you all have been.
I mean, you both have had a relationshiptogether for a long time.
So how has it been working with oneanother for so long?
(01:09:43):
It's been good.
I like working with Brandon. He's easy.
He makes my job very easy.
Yeah. Yep.
Yeah.
So, with Project SEARCH,since you all have known each other
since then, were thereany kind of standout memories
that you rememberduring your time as an intern?
Let’s see I do remember, you know,telling Mrs. Theresea about myself, you know.
(01:10:06):
You know, I remember showing our pictures,of, you know, my pets.
Yeah. But I, you know, I got a dog.
Oh, nice.
What kind of dog do you have?
She's a pug. A pug! Oh, So cute!
How old is she? If you don’t mind telling me.
She's four. About to be five soon.
Okay. She's a little baby. Still.
Yep. Okay. Very cool.What about you, Theresa?
So, do you have any pets?Oh, I have a dog.
Oh. You too.
So we're all. We're all dogpeople over here.
(01:10:29):
I’m a dog person.
I’m also a cat person.He's got both.
Oh, you have both. Okay. Yep. Okay.
I like cats, too.
I just I've never had onebecause my mom is allergic.
Oh. So. Yeah, but that's very cool.
Very, very nice. Yeah. It is.
Yeah.
And so let's see kind of heregoing back a little bit Theresa for you.
How do you feel that your-that the Employment
(01:10:51):
Specialist rolefits into the Project SEARCH partnership?
Well it is a partnership between DARS,Prince William County Schools,
the host business and Didlake.
And when I'm with Project SEARCHI'm actually called a Skills Trainer
because that'swhat they prefer to be called.
Okay, okay.
I didn’t know that!But it's just. Yeah.
So it's, I work with Heather Brownfrom Prince William County Schools,
and we're very much a team, andwe make sure that he knows everybody, too.
(01:11:15):
We all take turns doing the job coaching,introduce them
to the different internships,providing checklists, whatever it need.
They need to be successful, at their job.
Okay. Very nice.
And so that differskind of from individual to individual.
Right? Right.
Some people need checklists.Some people just need verbal.
Some people need short breaks.
It just depends on the person.
(01:11:36):
So they all pretty tailored to the person.
Okay.
That's good I think that- I mean, Brandon,how does how that- How do you feel
when like having an- A skillstrainer, right?
So how does that help youwhen you're in your everyday role?
Well, you know, it helps a lot.
You know, just making surethat you know that
if something is very tricky, that I knowthat there is someone that could help me.
(01:12:00):
Yeah.
So when he's in SEARCH,I'm the skills trainer.
But once he gets his job I'mthen the Employment Specialist.
Yeah.
So two-Two different jobs okay.
Two different jobs.You're doing a little bit of both.
Yes, okay.
That's very cool.
And so, Theresa,if you don't mind me asking,
how many individualsare you supporting at one time?
Currently, I have 26.
Okay, 26.
(01:12:21):
But some of them are, in follow along,which is a different service.
So they don't needas much support anymore.
But I have people in training,people who are looking for jobs.
So it's,- It just keeps going.
But I wouldn't change it for the world.
Yeah.
That's awesome.
And so, Brandon, I do want to ask youa little bit more about your job
(01:12:42):
as an usher.
So tell me a little bitabout how you prepare.
How do you wake up in the morningand just, you know, get ready for the day?
Well, let's see, I know what I'm doingsome stuff, but, I mean,
when I'm getting ready to, you know, work,I know that my job starts sometimes.
It starts in the morning.
So I got to, you know, set an alarmfor the morning to wake me up.
And, you know, I got to do a little thingsbefore, I get ready, and then,
(01:13:05):
Yeah, sometimes my parents they,
Well, one of them, they take me to my job,
and the other onepicks me up from the job.
And when I do the afternoon shifts,I'm thinking,
okay, so that means I haveplanning time to rest in.
Yeah, while I'm resting.
And I do a few things around the house,you know,
and to make sureto take care of the trash, make sure I do,
(01:13:25):
you know, do a little bit of dishesand, you know, take care of the,
you know, the pets.
Yeah.
So you said that you had the opportunityto speak about your disability
at your job, right? Yes.
So what was that like?What did you talk about?
Well, I, I talked about my,you know, my disability.
How, you know,I use a spinning ring to help me,
(01:13:47):
you know, to get through some things,
including to also,stop me from picking out my skin.
I pace myself a few times,
meaning I just walk around just to get my,you know, my mind off few things
and then I'm, I
thinking maybe just, you know, take,maybe just take a little bit of breath.
Yeah. Yeah.
So who was the audience when you guys werewhen you had that opportunity
(01:14:09):
to give your speech.
Well it was some of the employeesat the Hylton. Yep.
It was a training session for individualsworking with individuals disabilities.
And I wasn'tthe only person that had a disability.
There was, there was another person.
She talked about her disabilityas well, too.
Yeah.
When we were talkingabout our disabilities,
(01:14:30):
you know, we could have, you know, they,you know, said that we could have,
gone up or just sit wherewe're sitting and, well, I just,
you know, sit where I'm sittingbecause at the time, I didn't want to,
you know, go, go, go up to the stands.Just say, “Hello!
How's it going?”
Yeah, because at the time,I felt a little nervous.
That's why I prefer to sit down.Yeah. Yeah.
So it was kind of.
(01:14:50):
You were trying to dowhat was comfortable for you? Yes.
Very good.
And it sounds like they give youthat platform to be able to,
you know, they accommodate, right?
Yeah.
Just, you know, just for meto speak up about my disability.
And, you know, tell them know who I am.
Good. Yeah.
And so as you're working as an usher,do you-?
(01:15:12):
I mean,what is your, I don't know, like what-?
Like, is there-?
Sorry. I'm really trying to come up with-
Yeah. It's okay.
Like a follow along. See,I get nervous too.
And sometimes I'm just like,I have to take a pause and a breather.
So during your job as an usher and you'reable to, like, watch the performance?
(01:15:35):
Yes. Do you also get to interactwith the customers as well?
We do-
Well, I see I do get to, you know,I do get to say, you know, “Hello”,
Or “Enjoy the show”,or “Have a good evening”,
“Have a good night.”
Yeah.
And is that something
that when you were starting off,you felt comfortable doing as well?
Or is that something that kind ofwith the time?
Well first I had to get, you knowused to that because you know, at the time
(01:15:58):
when I was working, you know, my firstyear I was, you know, a little nervous.
But then as I started,you know, getting used to it, then
that's where I started,you know, saying “Hello” and then saying,
“Enjoy the show”,
“Have a good night”, “Have a good evening”
Yeah. Good.
So it's kind ofjust like the longer that you went
on, the more comfortable it became.
(01:16:19):
And you were able to. Yeah.
That's awesome.
I'm really happy for you, Brandon,
That’s Amazing!Thank You.
Thank you.
And so I wanted to ask youwhat kind of challenges
do you think that you've overcomesince you started working?
Well, there was, you know, some heightsbecause, you know, there's this one
theater that, you know, goes from the,you know, the bottom to the very top.
(01:16:41):
I'm only good with,you know, the bottom, but,
I mean, which is called, orchestra and,parterre and,
first balcony, but second balcony,that's where, you know, it's very high.
And I'm not good with heights.
So, like, is it steep, like,if you look down.
Yep. My goodness.Yeah, It's very steep.
(01:17:03):
And that's why I prefer to work
Orchestra or, parterre or first balcony.
Okay. Yeah,because I'm good with those heights.
Hey. And Brandon'slearned to self-advocate.
So instead of me having to goand say, “He doesn't like the third”
He does it himself, saying, “Can't do that!”Yep.
Good. And they accommodate him very much.
That's what- That's what it's about.
You know, it's just likeyou know, learning that there are things
(01:17:26):
that you need to advocate for yourselfand then going out of your way to do that.
That's- That's awesome.
Very good. Yeah.
And so what is something that you wishthat people
knew about hiring a personwith a disability?
That's a good question.
You know, people with disabilities,they do have, you know,
difficult timestrying to get through things.
(01:17:48):
And, that's what,you know, other people should understand.
And, you know, after
having, you know, what I'm going through,
it can be a little bit tricky,
but then it can get a little easy.
And. Yeah, sometimes it can be fun.
Okay.
Yeah. It's good. Yeah. Thank you for that.
(01:18:09):
And so, Theresa, from your perspective,what is something that you wish
that people knew when it comesto hiring people with disabilities?
I wish they knew thatthey can give them a chance.
They're very capable of doing a job.
Just because they have a disabilitydoesn't mean they're not capable.
They are. They are.
They should have the same opportunitiesas everyone else.
And it doesn't matterif they have a disability.
(01:18:31):
What matters isthat they're going to show up on time.
They're going to do their job and they dotheir job right every single time. Yep.
And that's what I find
with all of my people that I have athey are very good employees.
Yeah. But just give them a chance.That's the hard part.
Somebody give them a chance.
Say “Hello.”
Let them come in the door.
Exactly. Get that interview. Exactly.
And kind of just going back to the waythat.
(01:18:52):
Brandon, you got your first job initially.
It doesn't even have to be like a formalcome in and interview, right?
Sometimes they can just be like,let somebody show up
and show you who they areand how they're willing to work hard
as you've done, as you've shown, you know,those are the only things that you need
to do. Yeah. Yeah.
So, Theresa,
(01:19:12):
from your perspective,why is the collaboration
between Project SEARCH and Didlakeso valuable?
Because it does put individualswho have disabilities in the community,
getting them jobs,
And then Project SEARCH,
gives them those job skillsso that they're ready when they come out.
It's not just somebodyright out of high school.
They've given valuablehands-on experience.
(01:19:33):
I think it's really importantthat Didlake stays involved
and making sure that we get as many jobsfor our individuals with disabilities
as possible.
Yes, exactly. Exactly.
Especially within our communities, right?Right.
There are so many opportunitiesand so many jobs that people are,
you know, that people should be giventhe opportunity to fulfill.
So it's hard these daysbecause it's-, it’s-, Everything's online.
(01:19:57):
And then you go in and you try togive them your resume and they say
“Apply Online.”
And then for whatever reasonwe get chopped.
So it's hard sometimes,but we just keep plugging.
Yeah keep looking. Yeah.
We find a fit. Exactly.
We always tell themit doesn't have to be your forever job.
Get your feet wet.
Yes, and that's okay. Exactly, exactly.
So is there, a job that you would want todo potentially outside of being
(01:20:19):
An Usher? Is there?
Or is-?
Or do you,
feel like being an usheris where you want to be?
Well, I don't mind being an usher
for a little bit, but,you know, there are, you know,
there is, you know, there's, you know.
Sorry, I’m just trying to talk.No, you're okay.
(01:20:40):
Let's see...
You know,I do think about, you know, getting,
you know, outside the usher thing,but I mean, just to see where
there are jobsI can, you know, be good at, you know.
Yeah.
Sometimes I think about thatand hopefully that it will come true.
Yeah.
And you know, like Mrs.
Theresa said that,you know people with disabilities,
(01:21:00):
they should be giving a chanceto, you know, work.
And I-, yeah, I agree with that. You know. Exactly.
And it sounds like being an usher hasgiven you so many amazing opportunities
to just get out of your comfort zone,to just, you know, be your full self.
Yep. And that's awesomethat you've been doing that.
Very very cool. Yep.
All right.
So let's see...
(01:21:23):
So tell me a little bit
about like some fun momentsthat you guys have shared together.
You've had so much time working together.
What's your favoritewhat's been your favorite?
Well I said you know that,she does come by.
Check on me once in a while.
I remember when we were getting readyto practice for, you know, the podcast.
We went over to McDonald's. Yep.
(01:21:46):
Oh, nice. Ice cream.
Yep, Ice cream.
French fries.
They were delicious.
I bet I'm jealous. Yeah.
I have a favorite memory.
Yeah.
Do you remember when, your OmniRidedidn't come when I had to take you
and Rowley,
and Darryl home?
And we had to put the top down on my carbecause it's a convertible.
(01:22:09):
Yeah.
And he jumped inlike the Dukes of Hazzard.
It's true, I did!He was ready for it!
I've seen a lotof movies and TV shows where,
you know, the cool guys or girls.
They're getting readyto go through the car by just, you know,
climbing on top and just going to the,you know, where the windshield is down.
(01:22:31):
It was funny.
That’s Hilarious-! He said-
You said, “I'm going to live it out,
This is my one chance!” Yep!
The car was small and it wasn't raining,
And we all had to fit.Oh my Gosh!
Yeah, that was big time.That’s hilarious!
Yeah. Now, now it is coming back to me.
I did do a little bit of a Dukesof Hazzard thing.
You did? Yep.
Aw, that's awesome.
They did a lot of community servicethroughout the hospital, so that was fun.
(01:22:53):
Okay, what sorts of community service?
Well, let's see,I got to do, well, three things.
There was, package serviceswhere, you know, you get to-
Oh, You mean you'retalking about your internships?
Yes. My internship.This is something different.
Oh, sorry. No, no, no.You talk about your internships.
Okay. Yeah.
Yeah. You know, the internship.It was good.
You know, I got, for, the first one.
I got to deliver packages,Sorry!
(01:23:17):
all over the hospital and
then check for expiration dates,see which one's good, which one's bad.
I had to clean up the, the,you know, the cases that, you know,
had the medical equipment in there,but the, you know, pack in there
and then, let's see, then
the second job was patient transport,where, you know,
you get to transport a patient to the roomor to a different room,
(01:23:39):
or the last part is, the hospital,which is where they get to go home.
Yeah. Okay. Which was your favorite?
Well there was a third joband there was, linens and it was,
where I get to,help organize the pillows,
blankets, quilts,including the hospital clothes
that, you know, you see people wearwhen they're getting ready to do surgery.
(01:24:01):
And which one was my favorite?
Well, I would have to choose
probably linens because, you know,I was, you know, good at that.
You were good at all of them.
Yeah, I was good of all of them. Yep.Very cool.
They gave you a lot ofdifferent internship opportunities,
Right? Yes.Yeah.
So I think in each thing you're learningcompletely different skills.
You're learning completely different.Yep. That's very cool.
(01:24:21):
And you had a mentor in each department?Yes I did.
Became independent very quickly.
Yes. And I got to spend a littlebit of time with my mentor.
Yep. So
you were an intern at UVA health, right?Yes.
The Prince William Medical Center?
Yep.Awesome, very cool.
So you enjoyed the experience?Yes I did.
(01:24:41):
That's awesome, I'm glad to hear that.
And so Theresa was just sayingthat there was also some like community
service that you guys have done?Yes.
Remember we did the socks and stufffor the nurses week?
Yeah, I think so, yeah.
Didn't you guys doboo baskets for the nurses? Yes.
Candy.
I know you did the Angel treebecause I was there for that one. Yes.
I mean it's been so long but yeah.Yeah.
(01:25:03):
I can imagine I'mthe type of person that it's like a year
has gone by, I don't rememberanything that I've done, you know?
So I'm in awe of both of you right now.
Like recalling these things.
That’s because they're- It’s just easy and i-its funand you gotta love what you do.
Yeah. They're good memories, right?Very good memories.
And they are good memories.
Even though,
That some good memories are a little bithard to remember, but-
(01:25:26):
That’s okay.
Yep, it is okay.Yeah.
It's the feeling, right?Yeah.
Like you remember the feeling of it.Yeah, the feeling.
It’s- it's you know, it's a good feeling.
I like when you came back the next year
He and a couple of the other internsthrough the graduation,
and they were recognized,and everybody clap for them. Yeah.
Every year we do that, we recognizeanybody that comes back to support a graduation.
Yeah, I got to do the-That twice actually.
(01:25:49):
Yep.
Very cool.
So when you're recognized do you go up and like-?We just have them stand up,
on the platform and they get to seetheir old mentors and encourage the new.
Yep, encourage the new kids.
You know,last time I went there was this one kid.
He was jumping up and down.He was really excited.
He was very excited. Yes he was.Yeah.
(01:26:09):
What's the kind of advicethat you would give
a Project SEARCH internnow that you've graduated?
Well, I would give them advice sayingeven though that, you know,
things might be a bit-Sorry, might be a little bit tricky,
but it will get easy.
It won't get easy soon,but it will get easy eventually.
And you know when it does, then you can-
(01:26:34):
You won't be nervous
anymore, and you won't worrythat you won't mess up.
And yeah, I think,
while I was there as a student.
I think I better...not get nervous!
and, basically better not mess up.
And yeah, there were some timesI got confused. Times
(01:26:56):
that were a little difficult, but eventuallyI managed to, you know, take care of it.
Yeah.That's very reassuring.
I think anybody needs to hear that,that sometimes things are difficult.
It's not always going to be easybut eventually they will be.
Yeah.Yeah, That's awesome.
I know you said that that was for aProject SEARCH intern, but I needed that,
(01:27:17):
So thank you!Oh, you’re welcome!
Yeah.
So while I have you both here, Theresa,I'll start with you.
Is there anything elsethat you would like to share today?
I think Project SEARCH has
brought so many opportunitiesto individuals in our community.
We get to go to the conferencesand we learn so much there
and bring it backand put it into real use.
(01:27:39):
Our SEARCH graduates are the best.
They just, they are.
The growth and maturitythat happens in short, nine short months,
and how close we become with each otherand every time I call them,
“Hi, Mrs. Theresa!”
Always a smile on his face.
Yeah. And it's true of all of them.
I think that just
people need to learn more about SEARCH,learn what we do and open their doors.
(01:28:00):
and let us come in because we are a good groupwho want to work.
They can work and they want to work,and they don't want to be in group
supported employment.
And they don't need to be.They can be independent. Exactly.
And maybe even live on their own one day.Yeah.
Yeah, exactly.
Thank you for sharing that, thank you.
So, Brandon.
I'll ask the same question to you.
Is there anything elsethat you would like to share today?
(01:28:23):
Let's say it's been, you know, nice.
First.
Sorry.
I was gonna be a little bit nervouswhen I heard
I was gonna do a podcast, but,you know, eventually, I.
Like I said,I managed to overcome that, and, Yeah,
managed to talk about what,you know, I've been doing, and....
Yeah, it's been it's been good. Yeah.
(01:28:44):
And now you can finally you can tellpeople that you've been on a podcast.
You can check that off the list.Yeah.
Yeah, sure I can.
You guys could tell people that,I recently did a podcast, and I know that
this eventually will be on commercialsand, probably be on the internet soon.
Can I get an autograph when that happens?
Yeah. Yeah.
(01:29:04):
Yeah. When you’re famous.
You’ll remember me?Yeah.
Yeah.When you're famous, I’ll also remember you too!
Okay. Yeah.
My dad was asking me,
“Is it...where can I see it?”
And I'm, like, thinking, I don't know.
It's, It's a good question,but I'm sure it’ll be available soon.
Oh, yeah.
I didn't say that.
I’m think-
I'm thinking, I don't know, but, you know,eventually it will be available soon
(01:29:26):
for, people to see.
Yeah. Yeah.
We're going to have it on YouTubeso I'll be sure to send you the link.
Nice!We also have it on Podbean.
So it's like our podcast platform.Yep.
And so it'll be on Spotify,Apple Music or- Apple Music
Apple, whatever it's called!
We can sing.
Oh if you guys want to sing a little tunewhile we exit out.
(01:29:47):
I’m good!
I’m good!
All right. Well, thank you both.
You’re very welcome.Thank you so much for having us.
I appreciate it. Yep.Of course.All right. We're all.
Of course.
Thank you so much for listening.
To hear more stories and conversations,subscribe to The Didlake Difference
wherever you get your podcasts.
Visit Didlake.org to learnmore and follow us on Facebook
and Instagram@DidlakeInc and LinkedIn at Didlake.
(01:33:56):
Of course.
We're all done!Nice!
Thank You!
Good job, buddy.Thank you. Good. I'm sweating.
Good?I’m sweating,
Are you guys hot?I’m hot. Yep.
You guys,
Thank you.
Thank you.
That was probably my favorite so far.
Yeah.
It's such an amazing job.
Told you! Thank you!You’re a natural!
Yeah. Yeah. Youyou are a natural, Brandon.
Thank you.
Speaks from the heart.
(01:34:17):
Yeah, I love that.Thanks. Awesome!
Thanks so much.You ready to go? Yep!
All right.
Good.
Thank you.
Thank you.
That was amazing.
I will let you both know whenever.
Thank you.Thank you for thinking about this.
Of course. Thank you, Theresa!
I’m a little bit passionate about my...
Every detail. Yes.
(01:34:37):
It. It's
Basically become family....
Yeah...
I see you know how I used to spendso much time
Just writing?
And. Yeah.
Well, thank you so much
for for a little bit.
(01:34:58):
Yeah.
I got a parents now. I.
Just thank you so much.
Okay.
I know I messedup, like, a few different times.
It was, like, hotter than usual in here.
Yeah.
So I would,I think somewhere in amongst me
and I was like, kind of deflecting,but I think I was better than, like.
(01:35:22):
And it's certainly worth more engaging.
So it's a show on us too.
I know, but with Sharon doesI think that,
so DSP week is in September,so what we can do.
Yeah, what we can do iswe can do a couple of other DSPs
and we'll just do a quick collage of likewe'll do two others.
(01:35:42):
So we'll have a collage of like three.
Do you want to do like once a week. Yeah.
Yeah I know.
I'll ask for recommendationsand see who we should interview.
But how long is it?
Around 33 minutes.
So not bad.
I got a lot of the conversationin the beginning,
so it might be shorter than that.
But I think keeping the conversationin the beginning is good.
(01:36:03):
I was hoping that you were recording forthat because it was like,
yeah, no, that was good.
And you were looking at me like,so you start I to keep going.
I was scared that you hadn't startedrecording.
I don't want to have thisgreat conversation.
It's not going,
but. Okay.
Thank you. So great.
(01:51:55):
I'm just gonna have a conversation.Just wanna go.
Yeah.So Emma said it's recording, so. Yes.
So we have three cameras here.
And then that's Cedric in the backhouse over there.
And he's going to be kind ofcontrolling the cameras and then switches
and everything. Nice.
So we have this camera that camera.
And then that's one over there Yeah.
(01:52:15):
And so that's pretty much it.We're just gonna.
So this would be for on commercialsand YouTube and such.
Exactly. Nice. Exactly.
Yeah.
And the legs are a little bit bright,but you get used to them pretty quickly,
I think. Yeah.
You know, celebrities, you know, use,you know, when they're doing voice acting.
They use these kind of microphonessometimes.
Yes, exactly.
(01:52:35):
Yeah. They sound really, really good.
Yeah they do.
They're gonna soundsuper professional. Yeah.
Have you ever done anything like thatbefore?
Well, now I have a.
First time for everything, right?
Yeah.This is my first time doing a podcast.
Hey, are you saying yes or big time?
Okay. All right. Go.
(01:52:57):
It looks great.
You know,I don't really know what you mean by this.
Like high school stuff,like, twice the normal, for instance.
What do you do?
You know,
like a lot of celebrities feelwhen they get ready to do a big stretch.
And it's all right here.
Not yet.
Do you want to see your waterand just look?
(01:53:19):
All right.
I'm just gonna have you take off the,
The plastic.
Yeah. All right.
Okay.
Yes. Yeah.
More version of that?
Yes, exactly.
All right. Meone second. I'll be right back.
Yeah, I know, is it cold?
(01:53:39):
Officially.
It's podcast.
Yeah, you got it, buddy.
I think the time for us to get.
My first time seeing you guys.
See you guys on the inside.
Looks amazing.
(01:54:12):
Right.
I don't have to work.
That's. I'm.
Upset.
And I need some rain.
Just makes you want to work hard.
Yeah. Look at this. Yeah.
(01:54:34):
I didn't see this little partyplace back here, so.
Heard he said you're doing
the video aspect of the production.
Make sure that we look good.
Make sure that's what I needbefore you come off camera one.
And he's
makeup in here.
You guys, you step up your game here.
(01:54:55):
Just very sexy.
I'm hilarious. You're hilarious.
Where are you going? To sit, Mr. Brandon.
I guessI'll probably sit right here. Okay.
Yeah. Sounds good.
I told him was like a conversation.
Yes, exactly.
That.
I just want you guys to feel comfortable.
I want you to feel, you know, it's
(01:55:17):
if you are saying somethingand you think that you messed up.
Please feel freeto, you know, take a breath.
Start over again.
He can.
Cedric is really good with editing,so he can,
you know,chop it up and make it sound great.
So no pressure.
All right.
Right. Yeah.
You see that one down there.
(01:55:37):
And then can I get you guys anything else.
Are you ready to get started.
Yeah. Yeah. All right.
Do you want to do some testing and stuffbefore we. Yep.
Lighting.
Sound good? And.
You got this. Yep.
(01:56:01):
Basically i'll just pretend these cameras are not here.
Right? We're having a conversation.Yeah, pretend they're not here.
But just know that this is your camera.
Okay. Okay.
Yeah. Just.
Oh, it's a little nervous, but then again,I can just pretend that they're not here.
So that way I can.You go, but, you know, just get this.
You're right.
It is warm in here.
Yeah.
I told you, short sleeves was a good call for both of you guys.
(01:56:23):
I'm going to be sweating,so you're just gonna have to ignore me.
Okay.
But are the lights okay?
Yeah. The lights are fine.
Good good good good.
All right, so I know Theresa went over
like a couple of questionsthat I'm going to ask.
But we're just going to let itkind of guide through the conversation.
So we might not hit every question.
(01:56:44):
All right.
And is it okay with you if I ask likemaybe some additional ones that just
just that flow into the conversation.
Okay. Yeah. Okay, cool.
Okay.
I can get the door but it's open,you can come out.
Whenever. Okay. Just. Right. Okay. Yeah.
And let me knowif you guys want to take a break as well.
All right. It's not going to take.
I set aside two hours,but it's not going to take that long.
(01:57:05):
Okay. Yeah.
All right.
We're going towait. And he's going to give us like the.
Oh hold on. Sorry. Give me one second.Okay.
And I am your voice on the other side.
If you can hear me. Okay.
Awesome.
(01:57:26):
Yeah.
I remember that one time that,you know, remember
how you showed me a pictureof how you put this on the internet.
About how, you know how you showed how,you know, good.
I was doing, you know, at Project SEARCH.
Yeah. Very.
You also did that for some of the otherProject SEARCH students too.
Yeah.
I saw a picture on the internet.I was like. Whoa.
Whoa.
Do you remember when we did the BusinessAdvisory Council?
(01:57:47):
You did the presentation on why peopleshould hire individuals with disabilities.
And that's how Marit had usgo to the Hylton.
And you can tell that story.
Yeah, I rememberthat was over a year ago. Yeah.
How long you been at Hylton now?
Almost three. I know.
All right.
Did you work this week, Brandon?
(01:58:08):
Uh, My last job was- Uh, June 8th.
June 8th. Okay. Yeah.
Nice. Yep, (short laugh)
Didn't- Uh, go back to work.
Wait, I was supposed to work on the 11th,but that got canceled.
Oh, Okay.
Okay.
That's good.
This is the Didlake Difference.
The show all about creating
and promoting opportunitiesfor people with disabilities.
Each episode will bring you expertinsights and relatable topics
that ignite meaningful conversationsand inspire change within our communities.
(01:00:27):
Welcome back to The Didlake Difference podcast.
In this episode,I sat down with two special guests.
Theresa.
A Didlake Employment Specialist,who works closely with individuals
navigating the path to employment.
And Brandon, a former ProjectSEARCH student who successfully
transitioned into the workforceafter completing the internship program.
Do you have any vacation plans?Do either of you have any vacation plans?
(01:00:48):
No. Just- Maybe just relax,spend some time with my family.
Good, Good.
What about you, Theresa?
Going to Charleston,
For the July 4th weekend.
Alright!
We're empty nesters, so now the adults are having fun.
Very nice.
That's it.
Just little jaunts. How about you?Yeah.
I was in Italy last month.
(01:01:10):
Oh.So that was my-
That’s yours!Yeah, that was my big summer vacation.
Now I'm kind of just trying to relax a little.Where were you going in Italy?
I went to-
I was in the north of Italy,so I spent some time in Lake Como.
I was able to see-
I wish! I saw Alba,which was really, really beautiful.
It's like the wine region.
(01:01:30):
And then I spent some time in Chamonix
France as well, because they're all, like,super close to each other.
Yeah, so it's really cool.
Yeah.
Can't wait for my parents to see this.
Including my sister.
You know, when it does hit.
You know? Yeah.Yep.
To see what they think.
Yeah.
Are you close with your family?
Yes.
(01:01:50):
I, well, I live with my parents.
My sister, she used to live with us,but now she lives with her boyfriend.
Yeah. Yep.
Oh, but they're very supportive,I imagine.
Yes. My parents, they-You know, they do help me out.
Yeah.
What was their reaction when you told themthat you were going to come on here?
Well,
they were happy.
I know that, and my mom,she just told me, you know,
(01:02:13):
she wished me luck for the podcast,and I said thank you.
She said that I'm going to do great. You know?
Yeah, I think I am. Yeah.
I think you are, too.
Yeah.That’s awesome!
He says he's nervous,but he's very confident.
Yeah. Yeah.
A little confident. I mean, I managed-
You can move the pillow at the bottom.
Yeah. Feel-
Yep! Do whatever you need to feel comfortable.Yeah. Yeah.
I mean, I was a little nervouswhen I was graduating high school,
(01:02:34):
You know, because I had to
walk up a stadium to receive,you know, a few things.
And then, also a little nervous for the,you know, speech for Project SEARCH.
You know, you got to give a graduationspeech at Project SEARCH, and I did.
Yeah.
And then I managed to speak upabout my disability at my job.
And it was pretty good.Wow, that's very cool.
So you haven't done like a podcastbut you have done other speaking.
(01:02:58):
Sort of.
Yes. I've done a speech.
I-,Uh, done a speak up. Yeah.
So when you were doing the Project SEARCH speech, do you remember-?
I know it was a while ago.
This is like what? 2021?23.
22, actually. 22, 22.
So that was a while ago. Yeah.
But do you rememberkind of what your speech was about?
(01:03:20):
Well, I guess my speech was about how, you know
that I'm very proud of myselffor, you know, where I'm at, you know.
Yeah.
And that I, you know, thank my parents,
including my family, for,you know, helping me.
You know, I remember,
When I was still at Project SEARCH,we would use to watch Undercover Boss.
You know that show? I've never watched it.
(01:03:41):
No, what's it about?
It's about bosses that you know, goundercover-
To dress up, as employees-
See what they, you know, other employees do.
And then learning a few thingsabout their employees.
And yeah, it's very it's very nice.
It's, it's a good lessonto say what that employee did wrong.
Right. Yeah.
(01:04:02):
Oh, Okay.
There's some, you know, good employeesand there are some bad employees
That, you know, need to be reminded that
you know, they shouldn't, you know,do what they just, you know, did.
That's a very good point.
That's a good show. Yeah. It is.
I’m going to have to watch it!
Yeah. It's a good show.
Yeah it is.
Most of the bossesthe undercovers like “Really?
(01:04:22):
It still looks like you.”
Yeah. It does still look like them.
So they put on a wig or a mulletor something or dye their hair.
That's funny.
So you think like they knowit's a little scripted?
Yeah.Like Okay. Yeah.
But the idea is good. Yes.
I'm gonna have to look into it.
Okay I wanted to-Okay. Awesome!
(01:04:43):
So, Brandon.
I really wanted to just know.
Tell me a little bit about,
You know, your job at the HyltonPerforming Arts Center now.
Okay. How's it going?
Oh, it's going good.
Um.... What else?
As you know that I'm an usher.
Ushers there are basically allowedto escort people to their assigned seats.
(01:05:04):
They're also allowed to see,you know, the show.
And they're-what else?
You know there are some eventswhere you know, it's just
General admission where you can just sitwherever you want to sit.
And then at the end of the show
ushers are requiredto do a little bit of a sweep,
meaning that they have to check for lostand found such as glasses, keys, wallets
(01:05:25):
beverages, all kinds of things.
Yeah.
So you have to be very attentive.
Okay. Very cool.
And so to my understandingthis was a role that you got
when you were out of projectSEARCH. Right.
When I was almost out of Project SEARCH.
Okay. Yep.
So can you walk me through a little bitof how you got into your role?
(01:05:46):
Well, let's see,I remember Mrs. Theresa, she took me,
to the Hylton with another usher.
Her name is Kendall. Yeah.
And basically, we,
you know, basically saw the inside,of the place, it looked pretty good.
And then it was also an interview.
So we did the interview,and then after that, then
(01:06:09):
after trying to get jobs and no luck.
And one day, Mrs. Theresa
you know, gathered me,
you know, the other, uh, kids.
And I thought, okay,this is probably going to be bad news.
And it's about the, the Hylton.
And it turns out I got the job,and I was so happy.
(01:06:30):
It was, you know, basically just.
Yes, I was like (01:06:32):
“YES!”
And, you know, as Theresa said I, you know,I gave some hugs and I think I probably did.
Yeah. Yeah.
He says that must have been true.
Yeah.
And people were stopping in the hallway.
Yeah. Cause they heard him.
I got the job They wereclapping for him. Yeah.
And then I told my parentsI got the job, and they were happy.
Awesome, very cool.
(01:06:54):
And so I wanted to ask you a little bitabout that, Theresa,
because I know, like Brandon said,that you had some involvement in that.
So, within your role as the EmploymentSpecialist, kind of.
How did you help Brandonor how did that role come about?
Well, we, um, became part of the BusinessAdvisory Council when Meghan first started
it, and I proposed an ideathat I bring two interns over
(01:07:17):
and do a, PowerPoint presentation on whypeople with disabilities should be hired.
And Brandon did one of them.
And out of that,
Marit from Hylton Performing Arts Centersaid, you need to come over.
And that's when she hooked us up with Tori,who's his current boss.
The rest is history. Yep.
That is very, very cool.
And so the Business Advisory Council.
(01:07:38):
So Meghan spoke a little bit about thatwhen she was on the podcast previously.
And it's, it seems like this was kind
of an unconventional way that Brandonyou were able to get that job, right?
Because it wasn't a traditional applyand go in.
Right? No. It was.
We went for a tour and before we left,she whispered to me: “Send me his resumé.”
(01:07:58):
And then I played a little joke on him.
Yeah. Yep, it's true. She did.
You know, for a moment, I thought thatI did not get the job. But no, I actually did.
Yeah.
So you've been there since 20-
Like we said,it was 2022, right? Yes. Yeah.
So would you say that you've learned,like, what's been your favorite thing
about being there so far?
Well, you know,you get to escort people to their seats
(01:08:20):
and you get to watch, you know,the musicals, the plays, the performance.
And it's pretty good. Yeah.
Have you guys been able to see anything like- any interesting, performances?Together,
What did we see the first time? Oh, yeah.We saw The Sound of Music.
It was.It was pretty good. The performance.
I mean, it was just crazy, you know?
(01:08:40):
Yeah.
But, yeah, it was,you know, it was amazing.
I got to workfor the very first time, and.
Yeah, Ms. Theresa she was there, and she-
It was- I can tell she was proud of me.
Yeah. Oh, That's awesome!
So when you say that Mrs. Theresa was there,
Theresa, what kind of things were you doingwith Brandon?
Like what,
What does that entail, really,when you're supporting him on the job?
(01:09:02):
Usually it's just redirectingif necessary.
Like, okay, here comes somebody.
Brandon will share with you
some of the things that he doeswhen it gets a little overwhelming.
But he just takes redirectionreally well.
And just making sure that he's doingwhat he's supposed to do.
He's he's really fine now.He doesn't really need me.
I, I just gobecause I see what's he doing today.
(01:09:23):
You know, Mutts Gone Nuts was fun.
Yep. Yeah.Have you guys seen more shows together?
Like,have you had the opportunity? No. Not at-
None at this moment.
But, Yeah.
Okay. Yep.
Well, that's very cool.And so you all have been.
I mean, you both have had a relationshiptogether for a long time.
So how has it been working with oneanother for so long?
(01:09:43):
It's been good.
I like working with Brandon. He's easy.
He makes my job very easy.
Yeah. Yep.
Yeah.
So, with Project SEARCH,since you all have known each other
since then, were thereany kind of standout memories
that you rememberduring your time as an intern?
Let’s see I do remember, you know,telling Mrs. Theresea about myself, you know.
(01:10:06):
You know, I remember showing our pictures,of, you know, my pets.
Yeah. But I, you know, I got a dog.
Oh, nice.
What kind of dog do you have?
She's a pug. A pug! Oh, So cute!
How old is she? If you don’t mind telling me.
She's four. About to be five soon.
Okay. She's a little baby. Still.
Yep. Okay. Very cool.What about you, Theresa?
So, do you have any pets?Oh, I have a dog.
Oh. You too.
So we're all. We're all dogpeople over here.
(01:10:29):
I’m a dog person.
I’m also a cat person.He's got both.
Oh, you have both. Okay. Yep. Okay.
I like cats, too.
I just I've never had onebecause my mom is allergic.
Oh. So. Yeah, but that's very cool.
Very, very nice. Yeah. It is.
Yeah.
And so let's see kind of heregoing back a little bit Theresa for you.
How do you feel that your-that the Employment
(01:10:51):
Specialist rolefits into the Project SEARCH partnership?
Well it is a partnership between DARS,Prince William County Schools,
the host business and Didlake.
And when I'm with Project SEARCHI'm actually called a Skills Trainer
because that'swhat they prefer to be called.
Okay, okay.
I didn’t know that!But it's just. Yeah.
So it's, I work with Heather Brownfrom Prince William County Schools,
and we're very much a team, andwe make sure that he knows everybody, too.
(01:11:15):
We all take turns doing the job coaching,introduce them
to the different internships,providing checklists, whatever it need.
They need to be successful, at their job.
Okay. Very nice.
And so that differskind of from individual to individual.
Right? Right.
Some people need checklists.Some people just need verbal.
Some people need short breaks.
It just depends on the person.
(01:11:36):
So they all pretty tailored to the person.
Okay.
That's good I think that- I mean, Brandon,how does how that- How do you feel
when like having an- A skillstrainer, right?
So how does that help youwhen you're in your everyday role?
Well, you know, it helps a lot.
You know, just making surethat you know that
if something is very tricky, that I knowthat there is someone that could help me.
(01:12:00):
Yeah.
So when he's in SEARCH,I'm the skills trainer.
But once he gets his job I'mthen the Employment Specialist.
Yeah.
So two-Two different jobs okay.
Two different jobs.You're doing a little bit of both.
Yes, okay.
That's very cool.
And so, Theresa,if you don't mind me asking,
how many individualsare you supporting at one time?
Currently, I have 26.
Okay, 26.
(01:12:21):
But some of them are, in follow along,which is a different service.
So they don't needas much support anymore.
But I have people in training,people who are looking for jobs.
So it's,- It just keeps going.
But I wouldn't change it for the world.
Yeah.
That's awesome.
And so, Brandon, I do want to ask youa little bit more about your job
(01:12:42):
as an usher.
So tell me a little bitabout how you prepare.
How do you wake up in the morningand just, you know, get ready for the day?
Well, let's see, I know what I'm doingsome stuff, but, I mean,
when I'm getting ready to, you know, work,I know that my job starts sometimes.
It starts in the morning.
So I got to, you know, set an alarmfor the morning to wake me up.
And, you know, I got to do a little thingsbefore, I get ready, and then,
(01:13:05):
Yeah, sometimes my parents they,
Well, one of them, they take me to my job,
and the other onepicks me up from the job.
And when I do the afternoon shifts,I'm thinking,
okay, so that means I haveplanning time to rest in.
Yeah, while I'm resting.
And I do a few things around the house,you know,
and to make sureto take care of the trash, make sure I do,
(01:13:25):
you know, do a little bit of dishesand, you know, take care of the,
you know, the pets.
Yeah.
So you said that you had the opportunityto speak about your disability
at your job, right? Yes.
So what was that like?What did you talk about?
Well, I, I talked about my,you know, my disability.
How, you know,I use a spinning ring to help me,
(01:13:47):
you know, to get through some things,
including to also,stop me from picking out my skin.
I pace myself a few times,
meaning I just walk around just to get my,you know, my mind off few things
and then I'm, I
thinking maybe just, you know, take,maybe just take a little bit of breath.
Yeah. Yeah.
So who was the audience when you guys werewhen you had that opportunity
(01:14:09):
to give your speech.
Well it was some of the employeesat the Hylton. Yep.
It was a training session for individualsworking with individuals disabilities.
And I wasn'tthe only person that had a disability.
There was, there was another person.
She talked about her disabilityas well, too.
Yeah.
When we were talkingabout our disabilities,
(01:14:30):
you know, we could have, you know, they,you know, said that we could have,
gone up or just sit wherewe're sitting and, well, I just,
you know, sit where I'm sittingbecause at the time, I didn't want to,
you know, go, go, go up to the stands.Just say, “Hello!
How's it going?”
Yeah, because at the time,I felt a little nervous.
That's why I prefer to sit down.Yeah. Yeah.
So it was kind of.
(01:14:50):
You were trying to dowhat was comfortable for you? Yes.
Very good.
And it sounds like they give youthat platform to be able to,
you know, they accommodate, right?
Yeah.
Just, you know, just for meto speak up about my disability.
And, you know, tell them know who I am.
Good. Yeah.
And so as you're working as an usher,do you-?
(01:15:12):
I mean,what is your, I don't know, like what-?
Like, is there-?
Sorry. I'm really trying to come up with-
Yeah. It's okay.
Like a follow along. See,I get nervous too.
And sometimes I'm just like,I have to take a pause and a breather.
So during your job as an usher and you'reable to, like, watch the performance?
(01:15:35):
Yes. Do you also get to interactwith the customers as well?
We do-
Well, I see I do get to, you know,I do get to say, you know, “Hello”,
Or “Enjoy the show”,or “Have a good evening”,
“Have a good night.”
Yeah.
And is that something
that when you were starting off,you felt comfortable doing as well?
Or is that something that kind ofwith the time?
Well first I had to get, you knowused to that because you know, at the time
(01:15:58):
when I was working, you know, my firstyear I was, you know, a little nervous.
But then as I started,you know, getting used to it, then
that's where I started,you know, saying “Hello” and then saying,
“Enjoy the show”,
“Have a good night”, “Have a good evening”
Yeah. Good.
So it's kind ofjust like the longer that you went
on, the more comfortable it became.
(01:16:19):
And you were able to. Yeah.
That's awesome.
I'm really happy for you, Brandon,
That’s Amazing!Thank You.
Thank you.
And so I wanted to ask youwhat kind of challenges
do you think that you've overcomesince you started working?
Well, there was, you know, some heightsbecause, you know, there's this one
theater that, you know, goes from the,you know, the bottom to the very top.
(01:16:41):
I'm only good with,you know, the bottom, but,
I mean, which is called, orchestra and,parterre and,
first balcony, but second balcony,that's where, you know, it's very high.
And I'm not good with heights.
So, like, is it steep, like,if you look down.
Yep. My goodness.Yeah, It's very steep.
(01:17:03):
And that's why I prefer to work
Orchestra or, parterre or first balcony.
Okay. Yeah,because I'm good with those heights.
Hey. And Brandon'slearned to self-advocate.
So instead of me having to goand say, “He doesn't like the third”
He does it himself, saying, “Can't do that!”Yep.
Good. And they accommodate him very much.
That's what- That's what it's about.
You know, it's just likeyou know, learning that there are things
(01:17:26):
that you need to advocate for yourselfand then going out of your way to do that.
That's- That's awesome.
Very good. Yeah.
And so what is something that you wishthat people
knew about hiring a personwith a disability?
That's a good question.
You know, people with disabilities,they do have, you know,
difficult timestrying to get through things.
(01:17:48):
And, that's what,you know, other people should understand.
And, you know, after
having, you know, what I'm going through,
it can be a little bit tricky,
but then it can get a little easy.
And. Yeah, sometimes it can be fun.
Okay.
Yeah. It's good. Yeah. Thank you for that.
(01:18:09):
And so, Theresa, from your perspective,what is something that you wish
that people knew when it comesto hiring people with disabilities?
I wish they knew thatthey can give them a chance.
They're very capable of doing a job.
Just because they have a disabilitydoesn't mean they're not capable.
They are. They are.
They should have the same opportunitiesas everyone else.
And it doesn't matterif they have a disability.
(01:18:31):
What matters isthat they're going to show up on time.
They're going to do their job and they dotheir job right every single time. Yep.
And that's what I find
with all of my people that I have athey are very good employees.
Yeah. But just give them a chance.That's the hard part.
Somebody give them a chance.
Say “Hello.”
Let them come in the door.
Exactly. Get that interview. Exactly.
And kind of just going back to the waythat.
(01:18:52):
Brandon, you got your first job initially.
It doesn't even have to be like a formalcome in and interview, right?
Sometimes they can just be like,let somebody show up
and show you who they areand how they're willing to work hard
as you've done, as you've shown, you know,those are the only things that you need
to do. Yeah. Yeah.
So, Theresa,
(01:19:12):
from your perspective,why is the collaboration
between Project SEARCH and Didlakeso valuable?
Because it does put individualswho have disabilities in the community,
getting them jobs,
And then Project SEARCH,
gives them those job skillsso that they're ready when they come out.
It's not just somebodyright out of high school.
They've given valuablehands-on experience.
(01:19:33):
I think it's really importantthat Didlake stays involved
and making sure that we get as many jobsfor our individuals with disabilities
as possible.
Yes, exactly. Exactly.
Especially within our communities, right?Right.
There are so many opportunitiesand so many jobs that people are,
you know, that people should be giventhe opportunity to fulfill.
So it's hard these daysbecause it's-, it’s-, Everything's online.
(01:19:57):
And then you go in and you try togive them your resume and they say
“Apply Online.”
And then for whatever reasonwe get chopped.
So it's hard sometimes,but we just keep plugging.
Yeah keep looking. Yeah.
We find a fit. Exactly.
We always tell themit doesn't have to be your forever job.
Get your feet wet.
Yes, and that's okay. Exactly, exactly.
So is there, a job that you would want todo potentially outside of being
(01:20:19):
An Usher? Is there?
Or is-?
Or do you,
feel like being an usheris where you want to be?
Well, I don't mind being an usher
for a little bit, but,you know, there are, you know,
there is, you know, there's, you know.
Sorry, I’m just trying to talk.No, you're okay.
(01:20:40):
Let's see...
You know,I do think about, you know, getting,
you know, outside the usher thing,but I mean, just to see where
there are jobsI can, you know, be good at, you know.
Yeah.
Sometimes I think about thatand hopefully that it will come true.
Yeah.
And you know, like Mrs.
Theresa said that,you know people with disabilities,
(01:21:00):
they should be giving a chanceto, you know, work.
And I-, yeah, I agree with that. You know. Exactly.
And it sounds like being an usher hasgiven you so many amazing opportunities
to just get out of your comfort zone,to just, you know, be your full self.
Yep. And that's awesomethat you've been doing that.
Very very cool. Yep.
All right.
So let's see...
(01:21:23):
So tell me a little bit
about like some fun momentsthat you guys have shared together.
You've had so much time working together.
What's your favoritewhat's been your favorite?
Well I said you know that,she does come by.
Check on me once in a while.
I remember when we were getting readyto practice for, you know, the podcast.
We went over to McDonald's. Yep.
(01:21:46):
Oh, nice. Ice cream.
Yep, Ice cream.
French fries.
They were delicious.
I bet I'm jealous. Yeah.
I have a favorite memory.
Yeah.
Do you remember when, your OmniRidedidn't come when I had to take you
and Rowley,
and Darryl home?
And we had to put the top down on my carbecause it's a convertible.
(01:22:09):
Yeah.
And he jumped inlike the Dukes of Hazzard.
It's true, I did!He was ready for it!
I've seen a lotof movies and TV shows where,
you know, the cool guys or girls.
They're getting readyto go through the car by just, you know,
climbing on top and just going to the,you know, where the windshield is down.
(01:22:31):
It was funny.
That’s Hilarious-! He said-
You said, “I'm going to live it out,
This is my one chance!” Yep!
The car was small and it wasn't raining,
And we all had to fit.Oh my Gosh!
Yeah, that was big time.That’s hilarious!
Yeah. Now, now it is coming back to me.
I did do a little bit of a Dukesof Hazzard thing.
You did? Yep.
Aw, that's awesome.
They did a lot of community servicethroughout the hospital, so that was fun.
(01:22:53):
Okay, what sorts of community service?
Well, let's see,I got to do, well, three things.
There was, package serviceswhere, you know, you get to-
Oh, You mean you'retalking about your internships?
Yes. My internship.This is something different.
Oh, sorry. No, no, no.You talk about your internships.
Okay. Yeah.
Yeah. You know, the internship.It was good.
You know, I got, for, the first one.
I got to deliver packages,Sorry!
(01:23:17):
all over the hospital and
then check for expiration dates,see which one's good, which one's bad.
I had to clean up the, the,you know, the cases that, you know,
had the medical equipment in there,but the, you know, pack in there
and then, let's see, then
the second job was patient transport,where, you know,
you get to transport a patient to the roomor to a different room,
(01:23:39):
or the last part is, the hospital,which is where they get to go home.
Yeah. Okay. Which was your favorite?
Well there was a third joband there was, linens and it was,
where I get to,help organize the pillows,
blankets, quilts,including the hospital clothes
that, you know, you see people wearwhen they're getting ready to do surgery.
(01:24:01):
And which one was my favorite?
Well, I would have to choose
probably linens because, you know,I was, you know, good at that.
You were good at all of them.
Yeah, I was good of all of them. Yep.Very cool.
They gave you a lot ofdifferent internship opportunities,
Right? Yes.Yeah.
So I think in each thing you're learningcompletely different skills.
You're learning completely different.Yep. That's very cool.
(01:24:21):
And you had a mentor in each department?Yes I did.
Became independent very quickly.
Yes. And I got to spend a littlebit of time with my mentor.
Yep. So
you were an intern at UVA health, right?Yes.
The Prince William Medical Center?
Yep.Awesome, very cool.
So you enjoyed the experience?Yes I did.
(01:24:41):
That's awesome, I'm glad to hear that.
And so Theresa was just sayingthat there was also some like community
service that you guys have done?Yes.
Remember we did the socks and stufffor the nurses week?
Yeah, I think so, yeah.
Didn't you guys doboo baskets for the nurses? Yes.
Candy.
I know you did the Angel treebecause I was there for that one. Yes.
I mean it's been so long but yeah.Yeah.
(01:25:03):
I can imagine I'mthe type of person that it's like a year
has gone by, I don't rememberanything that I've done, you know?
So I'm in awe of both of you right now.
Like recalling these things.
That’s because they're- It’s just easy and i-its funand you gotta love what you do.
Yeah. They're good memories, right?Very good memories.
And they are good memories.
Even though,
That some good memories are a little bithard to remember, but-
(01:25:26):
That’s okay.
Yep, it is okay.Yeah.
It's the feeling, right?Yeah.
Like you remember the feeling of it.Yeah, the feeling.
It’s- it's you know, it's a good feeling.
I like when you came back the next year
He and a couple of the other internsthrough the graduation,
and they were recognized,and everybody clap for them. Yeah.
Every year we do that, we recognizeanybody that comes back to support a graduation.
Yeah, I got to do the-That twice actually.
(01:25:49):
Yep.
Very cool.
So when you're recognized do you go up and like-?We just have them stand up,
on the platform and they get to seetheir old mentors and encourage the new.
Yep, encourage the new kids.
You know,last time I went there was this one kid.
He was jumping up and down.He was really excited.
He was very excited. Yes he was.Yeah.
(01:26:09):
What's the kind of advicethat you would give
a Project SEARCH internnow that you've graduated?
Well, I would give them advice sayingeven though that, you know,
things might be a bit-Sorry, might be a little bit tricky,
but it will get easy.
It won't get easy soon,but it will get easy eventually.
And you know when it does, then you can-
(01:26:34):
You won't be nervous
anymore, and you won't worrythat you won't mess up.
And yeah, I think,
while I was there as a student.
I think I better...not get nervous!
and, basically better not mess up.
And yeah, there were some timesI got confused. Times
(01:26:56):
that were a little difficult, but eventuallyI managed to, you know, take care of it.
Yeah.That's very reassuring.
I think anybody needs to hear that,that sometimes things are difficult.
It's not always going to be easybut eventually they will be.
Yeah.Yeah, That's awesome.
I know you said that that was for aProject SEARCH intern, but I needed that,
(01:27:17):
So thank you!Oh, you’re welcome!
Yeah.
So while I have you both here, Theresa,I'll start with you.
Is there anything elsethat you would like to share today?
I think Project SEARCH has
brought so many opportunitiesto individuals in our community.
We get to go to the conferencesand we learn so much there
and bring it backand put it into real use.
(01:27:39):
Our SEARCH graduates are the best.
They just, they are.
The growth and maturitythat happens in short, nine short months,
and how close we become with each otherand every time I call them,
“Hi, Mrs. Theresa!”
Always a smile on his face.
Yeah. And it's true of all of them.
I think that just
people need to learn more about SEARCH,learn what we do and open their doors.
(01:28:00):
and let us come in because we are a good groupwho want to work.
They can work and they want to work,and they don't want to be in group
supported employment.
And they don't need to be.They can be independent. Exactly.
And maybe even live on their own one day.Yeah.
Yeah, exactly.
Thank you for sharing that, thank you.
So, Brandon.
I'll ask the same question to you.
Is there anything elsethat you would like to share today?
(01:28:23):
Let's say it's been, you know, nice.
First.
Sorry.
I was gonna be a little bit nervouswhen I heard
I was gonna do a podcast, but,you know, eventually, I.
Like I said,I managed to overcome that, and, Yeah,
managed to talk about what,you know, I've been doing, and....
Yeah, it's been it's been good. Yeah.
(01:28:44):
And now you can finally you can tellpeople that you've been on a podcast.
You can check that off the list.Yeah.
Yeah, sure I can.
You guys could tell people that,I recently did a podcast, and I know that
this eventually will be on commercialsand, probably be on the internet soon.
Can I get an autograph when that happens?
Yeah. Yeah.
(01:29:04):
Yeah. When you’re famous.
You’ll remember me?Yeah.
Yeah.When you're famous, I’ll also remember you too!
Okay. Yeah.
My dad was asking me,
“Is it...where can I see it?”
And I'm, like, thinking, I don't know.
It's, It's a good question,but I'm sure it’ll be available soon.
Oh, yeah.
I didn't say that.
I’m think-
I'm thinking, I don't know, but, you know,eventually it will be available soon
(01:29:26):
for, people to see.
Yeah. Yeah.
We're going to have it on YouTubeso I'll be sure to send you the link.
Nice!We also have it on Podbean.
So it's like our podcast platform.Yep.
And so it'll be on Spotify,Apple Music or- Apple Music
Apple, whatever it's called!
We can sing.
Oh if you guys want to sing a little tunewhile we exit out.
(01:29:47):
I’m good!
I’m good!
All right. Well, thank you both.
You’re very welcome.Thank you so much for having us.
I appreciate it. Yep.Of course.All right. We're all.
Of course.
Thank you so much for listening.
To hear more stories and conversations,subscribe to The Didlake Difference
wherever you get your podcasts.
Visit Didlake.org to learnmore and follow us on Facebook
and Instagram@DidlakeInc and LinkedIn at Didlake.
(01:33:56):
Of course.
We're all done!Nice!
Thank You!
Good job, buddy.Thank you. Good. I'm sweating.
Good?I’m sweating,
Are you guys hot?I’m hot. Yep.
You guys,
Thank you.
Thank you.
That was probably my favorite so far.
Yeah.
It's such an amazing job.
Told you! Thank you!You’re a natural!
Yeah. Yeah. Youyou are a natural, Brandon.
Thank you.
Speaks from the heart.
(01:34:17):
Yeah, I love that.Thanks. Awesome!
Thanks so much.You ready to go? Yep!
All right.
Good.
Thank you.
Thank you.
That was amazing.
I will let you both know whenever.
Thank you.Thank you for thinking about this.
Of course. Thank you, Theresa!
I’m a little bit passionate about my...
Every detail. Yes.
(01:34:37):
It. It's
Basically become family....
Yeah...
I see you know how I used to spendso much time
Just writing?
And. Yeah.
Well, thank you so much
for for a little bit.
(01:34:58):
Yeah.
I got a parents now. I.
Just thank you so much.
Okay.
I know I messedup, like, a few different times.
It was, like, hotter than usual in here.
Yeah.
So I would,I think somewhere in amongst me
and I was like, kind of deflecting,but I think I was better than, like.
(01:35:22):
And it's certainly worth more engaging.
So it's a show on us too.
I know, but with Sharon doesI think that,
so DSP week is in September,so what we can do.
Yeah, what we can do iswe can do a couple of other DSPs
and we'll just do a quick collage of likewe'll do two others.
(01:35:42):
So we'll have a collage of like three.
Do you want to do like once a week. Yeah.
Yeah I know.
I'll ask for recommendationsand see who we should interview.
But how long is it?
Around 33 minutes.
So not bad.
I got a lot of the conversationin the beginning,
so it might be shorter than that.
But I think keeping the conversationin the beginning is good.
(01:36:03):
I was hoping that you were recording forthat because it was like,
yeah, no, that was good.
And you were looking at me like,so you start I to keep going.
I was scared that you hadn't startedrecording.
I don't want to have thisgreat conversation.
It's not going,
but. Okay.
Thank you. So great.
(01:51:55):
I'm just gonna have a conversation.Just wanna go.
Yeah.So Emma said it's recording, so. Yes.
So we have three cameras here.
And then that's Cedric in the backhouse over there.
And he's going to be kind ofcontrolling the cameras and then switches
and everything. Nice.
So we have this camera that camera.
And then that's one over there Yeah.
(01:52:15):
And so that's pretty much it.We're just gonna.
So this would be for on commercialsand YouTube and such.
Exactly. Nice. Exactly.
Yeah.
And the legs are a little bit bright,but you get used to them pretty quickly,
I think. Yeah.
You know, celebrities, you know, use,you know, when they're doing voice acting.
They use these kind of microphonessometimes.
Yes, exactly.
(01:52:35):
Yeah. They sound really, really good.
Yeah they do.
They're gonna soundsuper professional. Yeah.
Have you ever done anything like thatbefore?
Well, now I have a.
First time for everything, right?
Yeah.This is my first time doing a podcast.
Hey, are you saying yes or big time?
Okay. All right. Go.
(01:52:57):
It looks great.
You know,I don't really know what you mean by this.
Like high school stuff,like, twice the normal, for instance.
What do you do?
You know,
like a lot of celebrities feelwhen they get ready to do a big stretch.
And it's all right here.
Not yet.
Do you want to see your waterand just look?
(01:53:19):
All right.
I'm just gonna have you take off the,
The plastic.
Yeah. All right.
Okay.
Yes. Yeah.
More version of that?
Yes, exactly.
All right. Meone second. I'll be right back.
Yeah, I know, is it cold?
(01:53:39):
Officially.
It's podcast.
Yeah, you got it, buddy.
I think the time for us to get.
My first time seeing you guys.
See you guys on the inside.
Looks amazing.
(01:54:12):
Right.
I don't have to work.
That's. I'm.
Upset.
And I need some rain.
Just makes you want to work hard.
Yeah. Look at this. Yeah.
(01:54:34):
I didn't see this little partyplace back here, so.
Heard he said you're doing
the video aspect of the production.
Make sure that we look good.
Make sure that's what I needbefore you come off camera one.
And he's
makeup in here.
You guys, you step up your game here.
(01:54:55):
Just very sexy.
I'm hilarious. You're hilarious.
Where are you going? To sit, Mr. Brandon.
I guessI'll probably sit right here. Okay.
Yeah. Sounds good.
I told him was like a conversation.
Yes, exactly.
That.
I just want you guys to feel comfortable.
I want you to feel, you know, it's
(01:55:17):
if you are saying somethingand you think that you messed up.
Please feel freeto, you know, take a breath.
Start over again.
He can.
Cedric is really good with editing,so he can,
you know,chop it up and make it sound great.
So no pressure.
All right.
Right. Yeah.
You see that one down there.
(01:55:37):
And then can I get you guys anything else.
Are you ready to get started.
Yeah. Yeah. All right.
Do you want to do some testing and stuffbefore we. Yep.
Lighting.
Sound good? And.
You got this. Yep.
(01:56:01):
Basically i'll just pretend these cameras are not here.
Right? We're having a conversation.Yeah, pretend they're not here.
But just know that this is your camera.
Okay. Okay.
Yeah. Just.
Oh, it's a little nervous, but then again,I can just pretend that they're not here.
So that way I can.You go, but, you know, just get this.
You're right.
It is warm in here.
Yeah.
I told you, short sleeves was a good call for both of you guys.
(01:56:23):
I'm going to be sweating,so you're just gonna have to ignore me.
Okay.
But are the lights okay?
Yeah. The lights are fine.
Good good good good.
All right, so I know Theresa went over
like a couple of questionsthat I'm going to ask.
But we're just going to let itkind of guide through the conversation.
So we might not hit every question.
(01:56:44):
All right.
And is it okay with you if I ask likemaybe some additional ones that just
just that flow into the conversation.
Okay. Yeah. Okay, cool.
Okay.
I can get the door but it's open,you can come out.
Whenever. Okay. Just. Right. Okay. Yeah.
And let me knowif you guys want to take a break as well.
All right. It's not going to take.
I set aside two hours,but it's not going to take that long.
(01:57:05):
Okay. Yeah.
All right.
We're going towait. And he's going to give us like the.
Oh hold on. Sorry. Give me one second.Okay.
And I am your voice on the other side.
If you can hear me. Okay.
Awesome.
(01:57:26):
Yeah.
I remember that one time that,you know, remember
how you showed me a pictureof how you put this on the internet.
About how, you know how you showed how,you know, good.
I was doing, you know, at Project SEARCH.
Yeah. Very.
You also did that for some of the otherProject SEARCH students too.
Yeah.
I saw a picture on the internet.I was like. Whoa.
Whoa.
Do you remember when we did the BusinessAdvisory Council?
(01:57:47):
You did the presentation on why peopleshould hire individuals with disabilities.
And that's how Marit had usgo to the Hylton.
And you can tell that story.
Yeah, I rememberthat was over a year ago. Yeah.
How long you been at Hylton now?
Almost three. I know.
All right.
Did you work this week, Brandon?
(01:58:08):
Uh, My last job was- Uh, June 8th.
June 8th. Okay. Yeah.
Nice. Yep, (short laugh)
Didn't- Uh, go back to work.
Wait, I was supposed to work on the 11th,but that got canceled.
Oh, Okay.
Okay.
That's good.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.