In 2001 Jason Michaelsen received his military discharge papers. He struggled to figure out how to navigate working and managing his disability out of the military as a civilian. Jason drifted from job to job in the private sector, never lasting more than a few years in any given position. “Civilian life was and is still scary to me,” Jason recounts. “I had never lasted in a job longer than three years.”

After years of trying to define his career goals and missing the structure of military life, Jason’s life was upended again by a serious motorcycle crash. Employers struggled to accommodate Jason’s extensive medical needs and inconsistent schedule.

Jason needed more than just a flexible work schedule to accommodate his recovery process – he needed an employer who understood the difficult transition and could accommodate his disability. Jason contacted the VA’s vocational rehabilitation program. The VA recognized that Jason needed a flexible employer who would utilize his unique skills and meet his needs. That’s how Jason was connected to Global Connections to Employment (GCE). GCE hired Jason for a janitorial position on a military base only two miles from his house. This marked the beginning of Jason turning over a new leaf. He was relieved to return to a familiar environment and work alongside other veterans. GCE worked with his treatment schedule, and his supervisors were supportive and provided accommodations for his disabilities.

That ongoing support continues to be an integral part of Jason’s journey with GCE. Three years ago, an old military injury left him with limited mobility and needing a cane. No longer able to do janitorial work, GCE brought Jason into the office and gave him the skills he needed to succeed. “I’ve always been a laborer,” Jason explains. “I know how to work with my hands, but I’m not good with computers.” Learning an entirely new way of working wasn’t easy, but Jason had an entire community of peers and supervisors at GCE who took the time to help him succeed.

His career journey didn’t stop there. Jason had a career goal for the first time. He knew what he wanted to do in the future—helping others in the same way GCE had helped him. In four years, Jason received four promotions. As a recruiting and outreach coordinator, Jason connects people with disabilities to job opportunities within GCE.

Part of Jason’s ability to flourish at GCE is his communication skills. Communication has always been integral to Jason’s career—from his time in the Marines to his work with GCE, he’s always looking for ways to connect with his team. When he was charged with leading a team that included two deaf team members, Jason took it upon himself to learn sign language to be an effective communicator—and he is now passing that language skill onto his one-year-old daughter.

With the help of GCE, Jason has found a new passion for helping others access the same opportunities that changed his life. His advice to people with disabilities who may be struggling with finding employment is, “don’t give up. You can do it.” Jason often tells others, “if you have the will, we’ll find the way. No matter your ability, somebody out there is looking for you.”