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Joel "Curtis" John began working at EBI in 2021 coming in as an assistant Director of Supported Employment, before taking on the role as Director in January of 2022. Previously he worked in supported employment for 7 years in Maryland/Washington Dc as well as part-time community engagement support. Within his time in supported employment he started off as a job coach with Project SEARCH then became the site supervisor at Project SEARCH Smithsonian while also working as a job developer in Washington DC. His goal and drive in this profession is to break down the barriers of employment persons with disabilities face and also work collaboratively supporting those they serve to reach their goals. He's had the privilege of speaking at the APSE conference and Maryland DOR conference, teaching on how assistive technology creates independence in both the workplace and community. He has also supported 2 persons to present at a conference with the DOJ to discuss changes to Ability One contracts and the importance of competitive integrated employment. He enjoys seeing those they serve achieve their goals and also make real impacts within the working community and begin to change the culture in such a positive way. He says being a part of EBI’s person-centered approach has been rewarding and invigorating to see the impact it has made in people’s lives.