Nate is a young man in Easterseals Hawaii’s Adult Day Health program who has been teaching a crafting class at a local community center since 2023. Nate says his job is exciting and entertaining, and he’s most proud of teaching people how to work on their arts and crafts.
Art is known for its therapeutic benefits, especially for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) including those who may have difficulty expressing themselves verbally or in written communication. It’s something we love to celebrate at Easterseals Hawaii (ESH), like through our various art projects done with clients, at our Art for All event in 2024 or at our annual art shows at local ESH clinics.
So, it’s no surprise that Nate, a talented maker, sought an opportunity to teach arts and crafts as a paying job – something he wanted to do since 2004. “I wanted a job for a long time,” says Nate. “It’s really fun and I enjoy it.”
Nate’s been with ESH since 2017, and has worked closely with his program manager, Alexa. She had encouraged him to start reading aloud as a way to improve his speech and gain confidence, which paid off in more ways than she could have imagined. It led him to volunteer at a local preschool reading to keiki, and now he can give spoken instructions to his students.
On days when Nate teaches, he starts by setting up tables and chairs, getting the supplies out and ready, then welcoming his students before teaching the craft. He’s also responsible for leading clean-up. “He likes to feel like he’s contributing,” says Alexa. “And I feel honored to help support him.”
What’s next for Nate’s career path? He plans to continue teaching and saving up until he can move to the Philippines, where he’ll open up his own fishing supplies shop. “It will be a two-story building,” says Nate. “The shop will be downstairs, and I will live upstairs, so I can see the ocean from my home.”
Celebrating the career goals of eager workers with I/DD not only strengthens the Hawaii economy, but the community at large. Without a doubt, there’s a lasting impact to be made across the Islands when we actively include people like Nate with unique skills and assets in the workforce.
To learn more about partnering with ESH to employ participants, receive training or enroll a loved one, click here.
