Sloane's Story

When you meet Sloane, one of the first things you notice is her energy. At 37, she leads a full life working, staying active, and trying new things in the Nashville area. Behind her busy schedule is a story of growth and the transformational impact of the Employment and Community First (ECF) CHOICES program.

Sloane received an autism and physical disability diagnosis at 32. Like many adults diagnosed later in life, she had spent years trying to understand her own needs. She wanted independence and freedom, but the steps felt overwhelming. Managing daily life, finding employment, and moving out of her parents’ home felt just out of reach.

Everything began to change when a former employer connected Sloane with ECF CHOICES. Through the program, she received Independent Living Skills Training, support she describes as life changing. Sloane learned to advocate for herself, communicate more effectively, and recognize her strengths. That helped her make important decisions about her future, including moving into a supportive living environment with roommates and adopting a dog of her own. With transportation options like AccessRide and Uber, she stays connected to her community while working toward her biggest goal yet: getting a driver’s license.

Employment has been one of the most meaningful parts of Sloane’s journey. During an internship with UnitedHealthcare, Sloane worked with both the Clinical Quality Assessment Team and the employment team. She developed professional skills and gained a better understanding of what helped her succeed in the workplace. It remains one of the accomplishments she is most proud of.

Since then, Sloane has continued to build her career. After working as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), she moved into her current role as a job coach in an employment center. Working two to three days a week, she helps others develop employment skills and work toward their own personal goals.

But Sloane’s success extends well beyond the workplace. She has been involved with Best Buddies since 2010 and now mentors’ others in the program. She has spoken at a disability conference in Baltimore about her internship with UnitedHealthcare, navigating a disability diagnosis, and the supports that have helped her along the way. She also participated in a Vanderbilt study to help people with autism prepare for driving, another milestone in her journey toward independence.

With support from her ECF team and her own hard work, Sloane has built an independent life. Her next goal is an administrative role where she can continue to grow professionally. Asked what she would tell someone considering ECF CHOICES, Sloane says:

“It is really helpful for getting the supports that you need to gain independence and having support when you need it.”

Sloane’s journey is not over. In fact, it is just beginning. Her story is a reminder that with the right supports, greater independence is within reach.