Autistic Man Thrives at Walgreens Warehouse

For Chris Jordan, clocking in for work is something he never thought was possible.  His official title?  “Mission control, which is making sure the rest of the departments are moving smoothly,” said Jordan, 22, of Windsor.

Inside the Walgreens distribution center in Windsor, Chris feels comfortable and at home. It’s a far cry from when he was just a kid and met Donna Swanson. She's the executive director for Focus -- an alternative learning center for people like Chris who have Autism.
 
“He was a flapper, a hand flapper and very much into his own world. He’s ‘Joe cool’ now, he is relaxed he is more sure of himself, he accepts challenges he knows about himself,” said Swanson.
 
At least 30 percent of the workforce is made up of people who have disabilities. Its part of the companies initiative. Chris's job plays up to his strengths. His duties include tracking boxes to make sure the products are in good shape.
 
“Having Autism, I have a line of work that thankfully is very methodical,” said Jordan.

Natalie Valyan is his work manager.  She adds, “He memorizes everything, he's very quick to pick up on things and again he does have good attention to detail."
 
Everyone earns the same pay and is held up to the same standard. Chris wouldn't want to have it any other way.
 
“A lot of times our kids don't have jobs because they have some quirks and people don't get them but if you can find a way to channel their talents they are very good employees,” said Swanson.

“Here is a company out there that is not afraid to hire people like me, because a lot of businesses are worried and Walgreens is here to show them you don't have to be,” said Jordan.

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