In this heartfelt video series, we introduce you to Kelvin, a dedicated staff member with Jay Nolan Deaf Services who brings his unique perspective as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) who uses sign language.

Since joining the Jay Nolan team in 2024, Kelvin has experienced a profound transformation—shifting from a physically demanding career in construction to a deeply human-centered role supporting individuals with diverse needs.

Through his stories, Kelvin shares how working one-on-one with an individual with support needs has opened his eyes to new ways of thinking, communicating, and connecting. From learning patience and empathy to celebrating shared milestones, Kelvin’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact of inclusive support and the value of every voice.

Watch the videos below to hear Kelvin’s story—in his own signs—and discover how Jay Nolan Deaf Services is creating space for growth, understanding, and community.

From Building Houses to Building Lives

“Hello, I’m Kelvin, this is my name sign.

I’ve been working at Jay Nolan since August 2024. Prior to this, I was working in construction. It was very hands on, physical hard work.

When I started working here it wasn’t what I expected, it was very different! There was more engagement with people, and also one-on-one with the person served. It opened my eyes to understanding this work dynamic.

Then I met the person I would be working with, they are deaf plus, they have autism. By observing them, I’ve learned so much. Also, they have taught me so much, taught me patience. I’m learning and understanding how this person navigates the world, how they solve problems, learn how to budget, and how they handle their struggles.

In this process, as I am assisting them, at the same time, I’m learning too. Learning about their family life and upbringing has really moved me and opened a new perspective, and understanding about mental health, wow!

Prior to this experience, I had no knowledge of this! It’s actually deeper than I could have imagined!

I want to thank Jay Nolan for teaching me to broaden my perspective. Thank You!”

From Routine to Real Impact

“I’ve been working with Jay Nolan for 7 months.

The first week, when I met my participant, I had come in with a specific mindset and it was completely different than what I had expected. It was much more involved, and I thought, “oh, ok, I see.” By observing them, they have taught me a lot of patience.

While working here, I’m learning to collaborate with others, we go out in the community and go to different places. It’s not like my previous job, where everything was routine, predictable, there was no real interaction with people, I worked with materials. I worked alone focusing on my tasks.  Here, it’s different, I’m learning, meeting people, getting to know my participant, learning to adapt to them.

His thinking process is so…woah… it’s such a different world… that’s what I’m learning every day, adjusting, to match them. It’s helped me become a better person, by learning how to navigate through this process of engaging with them, developing my social skills, being understanding, patient, looking at all perspectives. That’s something I never learned in my previous job.

There was one way to do the task, my supervisor gave me simple instructions and I would do the work.  Working with people is different, you’re dealing with different emotions, whereas the other job, it was more straight-forward.  That’s not the case with this job, there were a lot of challenges the first week and I learned.

Now seven months in, now I understand the work dynamic, I am able to adjust, accommodate, adjusting my language to match their voice, their signing accent…Wow!

This has helped me become a better person, I want to thank Jay Nolan for that, but not only that, also for providing interpreting services. That’s amazing because nobody should struggle to communicate.

I’m very grateful that in-house interpreters are provided for access at work to facilitate communication and THANK YOU FOR THAT!  Thank you, Jay Nolan.”

My Favorite Jay Nolan Moment

“As I look back at my time here at Jay Nolan, my favorite memory is the holiday party at the Odyssey.

Prior to the holiday party, my friend, really my participant, we would go to the places he likes as well as new places. I was getting to know him and his tendencies.  Like, his favorite places to visit, what he likes, his preferences, sharing experiences together, sharing memories. I appreciate our time together. As I was getting to know his world, with time we started building a connection.

At last year’s holiday party, I walked in and was blown away!  I met a lot of deaf staff and deaf plus participants whose needs vary.  During the party, we mingled, played games, and there was music.  I danced and showed my moves on the dance floor. It was so much fun!  I won an award.  It was such a good time.

It’s become one of my most cherished memories, I hold it close to my heart. I am looking forward to all the future holiday parties and events. Jay Nolan provides many different events where people come together, socialize, and they make memories. It’s great to look back on.

Thank you, Jay Nolan!”

Click here to apply for our jobs for ASL-fluent candidates at Jay Nolan Community Services.