Tyson Haith + Project Search

Published for North Carolina's Council on Developmental Disabilities Hot Topic Newsletter

Every day, Monday through Friday, 19-year-old Tyson Haith is picked up by bus and travels from Burlington to Mebane. He arrives at his job at Sports Endeavors, a sports retail distributor, and clocks in. The once intern is now a full-time employee, responsible for collecting merchandise and packing orders.

Tyson began his venture into employment as a Project SEARCH intern. Project SEARCH is a collaboration between NC Vocational Rehabilitation, the Alamance-Burlington School System, Cardinal Innovations, Cape Fear Vocational Services and Alamance Regional Medical Center which provides the interns the opportunity to grow in their skills, and have more edge as they look for employment after high school. Tyson, an intern from the program's pilot class, is a shining example of that success.

He worked specifically in the supply chain and environmental services of Alamance Regional Medical Center. Tyson Haith Sr., Tyson's father, remarked that the interns played a crucial role in chancing people's perceptions of individuals with disabilities.

"Since Project SEARCH started, it's opened up a lot of options because people can see they can do the job. That's a real eye opener," his father said.

Having interviewed at businesses like Planet Fitness, Dollar General and Cracker Barrel, Tyson has found his fit at Sports Endeavors. He likes working in Mebane, having his own money in the bank and finishing off a day of work with TV.

Raised in a home where employment and education were held in the highest regard, Tyson says he likes his job, "I do it to get paid every two weeks." His father has seen Tyson grow from a successful straight-A student to the second man of the house, ready to take on new responsibilities.

"Don't push your kid into a box," Tyson Sr. says, "Usually, they get put in the box. Keep an open mind and you'll be surprised.”

Found at: https://nccdd.org/archived-highlights-hot-topics-newsletter/250-october-highlights-and-hot-topics.html