Aaron Strapp is working on earning his drivers license, so he can explore a career in plumbing, with support from LCBDD.

Aaron Strapp has been helping his parents with plumbing projects around their Reynoldsburg home.

But he’s hoping to do much more than that.

A recent graduate of Reynoldsburg High School and Eagle Wings Academy, Aaron is working toward his goal of pursuing a career as a plumber.

He recently earned his temps and is hoping to start driving school so he can get his license. After that, more doors will open as he works toward a full time job.

“He’s really come a long way,” said his mother Carol Strapp.

Aaron and his family were connected with the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities several years ago, when he was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome.

Since then, Service Coordinator Lea Bonner and Employment Specialist Jaclyn Alexander have been working with him to prepare for life after high school.

After some struggles to find a school that was the right fit, Aaron enrolled at Eagle Wings and found his niche.

At first, Aaron thought about pursing a career in culinary arts. But after participating in the school’s LifeTech program, he realized he was interested in plumbing.

LCBDD helped connect Aaron with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, which gave him the opportunity to participate in summer work programs, vocational testing and career exploration.

Jaclyn met him at the library, connecting him with the resources he needed to study for his temps test.

Now that he’s learning to drive, Aaron is excited for the next step. He’s been offered an opportunity to take a six-month apprenticeship to discover more about the plumbing industry.

He and his mother both appreciated the support LCBDD has been able to provide as Aaron goes through this transition, Carol said.

“I’ll tell you, it’s been a Godsend,” she said. “We know what we need, and they are helping us get there.”