Matthew's Red Vest

For capable people with autism, intellectual and/or developmental differences, there is a real need to access employment opportunities. Thanks to the care and support of his family and teachers, Matthew Will found a job he loves at Selkirk Ace Hardware in Oldtown, Idaho.

Although Matthew is autistic, he operates at a high level, with enthusiasm and abilities that made him an excellent job candidate. Thanks to his mother Kimberly Damp and his teacher, Katie Moser, Matthew had the support and training he needed to find employment. It all began with a work-based learning program at Newport High School.

"We started this program last year to practice job skills in the high school," said Katie. "The program started with janitors and kitchen staff at the high school, and then led to involvement with businesses around town."

When the subject of where to work came up, Matthew already had an idea.

"When we talked about what he wanted to do after high school, Matthew specifically said, 'I want to work at Ace Hardware in Oldtown,'" said Katie.

Katie approached Selkirk Ace Hardware owners Jim and Patty Perry about a job opportunity for Matthew at their store. They were impressed with the structure of the program.

"For the first month, Katie worked with Matthew at the store, mentoring him and keeping him well trained with what he needed to do," said Patty. "Whatever Matthew can do, he's very enthusiastic to get it done."

Initially, Matthew had a small badge that read "In Training." As his skills progressed, Matthew desired to have one of the Ace red vests like the rest of the employees. When he was finally ready, the employees at Selkirk Ace lined up one morning for a special ceremony where they presented Matthew with an Ace Red Vest of his own.

"The day I got my vest was a pretty big deal. It was a ceremony," said Matthew. "It was like a promotion. I just felt like I was a part of the team."

"To see Matthew take the skills we're working on and run with them is why I even do what I do," said Katie. "I can already tell that he feels proud to be a part of Ace Hardware."