For the past three years, Ean has been supported by The Arc Alliance and his Support Coordinator (SC), Ashley, who has played a key role in helping him build confidence, communication, and independence.

When Ean first connected with The Arc Alliance, he faced challenges finding work and receiving ASL support at the programs he attended. Communicating his needs was often frustrating, and he sometimes felt isolated because others couldn’t fully understand him.

With the help of his SC Ashley, Ean found a Job Coach fluent in ASL. Together, they worked to build his skills and independence. Today, Ean proudly holds three part-time jobs—each offering a sense of purpose and community:

• Soltane Café, where he works as a dishwasher. The café is a social enterprise of Camphill Soltane, creating inclusive employment opportunities for adults with intellectual differences.
• Camphill Soltane, where he helps with landwork—watering plants, mowing, and supporting the greenhouse.
• So Much to Give Inclusive Café, where he also works as a dishwasher, supporting the café’s mission to empower individuals with disabilities to share their talents and make a positive impact.

Through these experiences, Ean has found joy and pride in his work, saying, “I love where I work.”

Ean’s relationship with Ashley and The Arc Alliance goes beyond employment. They’ve created an environment where communication and inclusion come first—ensuring every meeting has an interpreter and that his staff can communicate directly with him in ASL. Ean shared that thanks to Ashley always ensuring there’s an interpreter at their meetings, he feels “more part of conversations and can communicate my needs better.”

One of Ean’s favorite memories is attending the Empowerment Awards in March 2025, where his SC Ashley received the Staff Impact Award. Ean attended with his service dog, Travis, and proudly cheered her on. He also received his own award in 2024, at Chester County’s Self-Determination Award Luncheon, where he received recognition in the Against All Odds category for his resilience and positive attitude toward life’s challenges.

Outside of work, Ean is an accomplished athlete in the Special Olympics, competing year-round in long-distance running, snowshoeing, track and field, and cycling—earning numerous medals along the way. He also enjoys sewing and helping his sister with her candle business.

“I appreciate The Arc Alliance and all they do for me to be independent and seen,” Ean shared.

Thanks to his determination—and the support and advocacy of The Arc Alliance—Ean continues to thrive, proving that with the right support, communication, and opportunity, everyone can shine.