Aleksei – Youth Transition Stories

Youth Transition Stories

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Currently Work? Yes!
Top Skills: Detail-Oriented, Versatile, Agile

Aleksei always dreamed of having a job in a laboratory. His parents both worked in labs, and it was his desire to follow in their footsteps. With the help of his Middleton High School transition staff, Aleksei already had one job at Exact Sciences. But he needed additional hours, so the VFPS team came on board to assist with job placement. Aleksei was very clear – he wanted to work in a lab.


Following the usual process of careful assessment of strengths and assets and the preparation of an individualized visual resume, the VFPS team approached a local bio-tech company named Luminex. When she heard about Aleksei, the employer was eager to identify tasks he could complete. The VFPS team suited up in full sterile gear (including facemask!) and with the help of Luminex lab workers, determined which tasks would be the best fit for Aleksei. Though there were some concerns that Aleksei might not like the lab gear and facemask, when given the opportunity, he wore his lab clothes (including mask) with pride.


A few months prior to the end of the school year, VFPS staff helped identify a vocational agency to support Aleksei at both Exact Sciences and Luminex. The VFPS team made sure that agency staff were well trained on the best ways to support Aleksei on the job and that they understood the details of the tasks Aleksei would perform.

Our goal in VFPS is to ensure that the transition from school to vocational agency support is as seamless as possible, for both the persons with disabilities and their employers.