Date: October 22, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Adam Jones, Community Relations Coordinator (513) 806-3941 cell

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

414 S. East Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

adam.jones@warrencountydd.org Board of disabilities

Teen with disabilities works as a “script reader” for McCluskey Chevrolet

(Lebanon, OH) – Kyle Mounce, age 17, receives services from the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD). He is a student at Lebanon High School and has interests in music, entertainment, and broadcasting. Kyle’s aspiration in life is to one day host his own talk show. This past summer, Kyle took one step forward towards his life goal. Through a family connection, Kyle was hired as an on-camera “script reader” for McCluskey Chevrolet, a position he secured by auditioning.

Kyle’s uncle, Joel Chandler works in the McCluskey Chevrolet media department. Chandler introduced Kyle to department manager, Greg Bennett. “I liked what I saw right away,” Bennett commented. After viewing Kyle’s audition, Bennett reached out to company owner, Keith McCluskey, to request approval to hire Kyle. The request was granted.

As an employee (and face) of McCluskey Chevrolet, Kyle is responsible for reading car descriptions off a teleprompter, which are then edited by Chandler, and uploaded onto the dealership’s YouTube channel. “Kyle is doing a great job, and we have gotten positive feedback for his on-camera work,” said Chandler. Kyle films up to forty scripts per week. When asked if he ever gets nervous in front of the camera, Kyle proudly said, “You have to have the self confidence and perseverance to get in front of the camera.”

This is not the first time Kyle has been seen on camera. At age 13, Kyle was the featured soloist in a music video produced by the “Everybody is a Star Foundation”, a production company based in California. A year later, his singing ability earned him an interview spot on Q102 Radio. A year later, Kyle sang the National Anthem in front of thousands at a Cincinnati Reds game. Though Kyle’s confidence and ease on camera is evident, that does not discount the work he has put in to get there.

During the 2019-2020 school year, Kyle participated in a bi-weekly Job Class, offered by the WCBDD Transition Program. The program provides students with the necessary tools to transition from school to the adult world. Time spent in this program enables students to enhance their social and employment skills, as well as critical thinking and decision-making abilities.

“They have given me skills that I need for when I become an adult like my parents, and what to do and what not do, and what employers are looking for when you are going into the work place,” commented Kyle. Additionally, the program has helped Kyle improve his eye contact and listening skills.

Kyle continues to grow his skills at McCluskey Chevrolet thanks to the support from his uncle. Each week, Chandler educates Kyle on different studio equipment in order to prepare him for the broadcasting industry. “I want to show him how to edit,” said Chandler, then added, “Kyle keeps shining more, and the more you put upon him to grow, the more he’s grown.”

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions and accomplishments of workers with disabilities, and highlight the importance and benefits of inclusive workplaces.