The Right Fit: Ben’s Pathway to Employment
Ben came to HKNC from Utah with hands-on work experience and a clear sense of his strengths, but uncertainty about where he fit long-term. His path to employment started with exploration and ended with the right match.
Ben, who is DeafBlind, came to HKNC from Utah with diverse work experience spanning dog daycare and warehouse environments. He brought enthusiasm for animals, technology troubleshooting, and hands-on work, but faced a challenge many people encounter: uncertainty about which career path would provide long-term stability and satisfaction. Rather than pushing toward a predetermined outcome, HKNC’s team designed a person-centered assessment process to help Ben discover his best fit.
Through the Comprehensive Vocational Rehabilitation Program (CVRP), HKNC’s residential training program for DeafBlind adults, Ben explored multiple community-based work sites including Hilton Hotels, Jersey Mike’s, eWorks, and the local library. Each placement provided valuable insights about job tasks, work environments, communication demands, and personal preferences. Meanwhile, HKNC’s employment team was building partnerships with local employers, including Lincoln Line, a warehouse operation with departments in assembly, packaging, and data entry, where Ben would ultimately be placed in a data entry role.
When Ben tried Lincoln Line, the connection was immediate. The work aligned with his warehouse experience and comfort with structured tasks, while the company’s supportive culture created space for success. With guidance from his Employment Training Specialist and HKNC’s interdisciplinary team, Ben developed the skills and confidence to work independently, master his commute, and navigate workplace communication using adaptive strategies and assistive technology.
Ben’s dedication and positive attitude made a lasting impression on Lincoln Line’s leadership. The company offered him a permanent remote position, recognizing both his capabilities and the employer’s commitment to accessible employment. Ben is now part of the Lincoln Line team!
