At Quest Village, an innovative residential community, we believe adults with developmental disabilities can live their best lives. One such example is Brad, who made the courageous decision to move from Massachusetts to Orlando to pursue his dreams.
Brad knew he wanted to work for Universal Studios Florida from a young age. Although he gained valuable experience as a cashier and cart attendant in his hometown, his parents were initially hesitant about how he could achieve his aspirations without them relocating to Central Florida.
That changed after they met another family whose daughter, also on the autism spectrum, found success working at Universal while living independently in Orlando. Inspired by her story, Brad’s family helped him get an interview at Universal, where he eventually received a job offer.
A New Beginning at Quest Village
Now that Brad had secured a job at his dream location, it was time to figure out how he would transition to a new state. After a year of preparation with his family, Brad was among the first residents to move to Quest Village in Waterford Lakes.
“Change can take a long time to process, so it was a little bit hard to adjust at first,” Brad says. “But I thought to myself, ‘Wow, not only do you get to live in Orlando, but you get to work for Universal Orlando.’ That was life-changing.”
During his first month, he focused on acclimating to his surroundings and understanding the dynamics of his new community. Quest Village provided Brad with valuable support services to assist with daily living activities, including meal planning, grocery shopping and appointment management. The staff also guided him on budgeting and connected him with local resources, such as Access Lynx, until he felt comfortable navigating his new life.
Providing the Keys for Independence
Brad vividly recalls a story from WFTV in 2018 in which Quest’s President and CEO, John Gill, shared the community’s mission to help tenants acquire the skills needed to succeed independently.
“I took that interview well. Mr. Gill knew how to explain [Quest Village] perfectly, so I knew if he could explain it well, that I would do well,” Brad says.
Over time, Brad mastered his daily routines. He used GPS to navigate to work and appointments, gradually reducing his need for support. He embraced the challenge of his first solo outing to Disney, feeling confident in applying the skills he had learned.
Today, Brad has found his rhythm in Orlando. He visits local attractions, golfs weekly, shops at his favorite stores and enjoys the freedom of living on his terms. After a full day, he finds peace in his Quest Village apartment – his own space to relax and recharge.
His parents say the transformation over the past eight years has been remarkable.
“Raising a child on the spectrum is a unique journey. When people ask how he’s doing, I can proudly share his wonderful achievements; seeing him succeed is the best part,” his mom Mary says.
Independent Living at its Best
At Quest Village, residents like Brad are not just provided a place to live. They gain access to the encouragement and support necessary to lead fulfilling, independent lives. Brad’s journey is a testament to resilience and the joyful pursuit of independence.
“Brad is living his best life in Central Florida, and we couldn’t be prouder,” Mary shares. “Quest Village has played a pivotal role in his success. Without this incredible community, none of this would have been possible.”
To learn more, visit Quest Village – Quest, Inc.
