Presumed Competence: How Jay Nolan is Changing the Trajectory of Neurodiversity

What does it take to change the entire trajectory of a human life? For Edward Amey, the CEO of Jay Nolan Community Services, it started with a single voice and a radical shift in perspective. Growing up with a learning disability and ADD, Amey faced the kind of harsh labeling that can crush a child’s spirit. He recalls a fifth-grade teacher looking him in the eye and saying, “You will never amount to anything.” For a while, he believed her.

Everything shifted in sixth grade. A new teacher sat him down and refused to accept anything less than his best. She stayed on him with encouragement rather than punishment. That shift gave him the confidence he needed to focus on his education, eventually going on to college and graduate school. Today, he leads an organization dedicated to being that trajectory changer for others.

Amey came on my podcast to explain the organization’s approach in helping others see the best in themselves, even when others don’t.

[Watch the podcast, listen on Spotify, or continue reading for some quick takeaways]

The Secret Sauce of Personalized Support

Jay Nolan is celebrating its 50th year of service. Unlike many traditional programs that sequester neurodiverse individuals into groups, Jay Nolan operates on a different DNA. Its model is built around one-on-one, deeply personalized support.

“Everything we do is matched to them,” Amey said of his clients.

This even extends to the hiring process. Individuals receiving support are active participants in choosing the people who will work with them. The goal is to help people live independently, hold jobs and build the lives they actually pictured for themselves.

At the heart of this work is a powerful concept known as presumed competence. Instead of starting from a place of perceived limits, the team assumes that individuals have what it takes to contribute to society. They may interact or learn differently, but their potential is a given.

Amey sees this as a fundamental human right. 

“I don't believe a community is whole and healthy until everyone has the opportunity to contribute,” he said. When people are told they cannot contribute, he added, the entire community loses out.

Technology as a GPS, Not a Replacement

In a world buzzing with talk about AI and automation, Amey maintains a grounded view of technology. He doesn't see it as a transactional tool or a replacement for human connection. Instead, he views it as a GPS.

His team uses advanced platforms to make meaningful connections faster. When a candidate applies to Jay Nolan, they don't fall into a “black hole.” Rather, they receive immediate engagement, including a video from Amey himself because he wants them to know they are stepping into a career that could change their lives, too.

Beyond hiring, Jay Nolan utilizes technology to help provide safety and independence for the people they support, allowing for more autonomy and less “people in their face.” However, the human element of the connection is always the priority. 

“We're wired to be in a relationship,” Amey said. “Nothing's going to ever separate that.”

Cultivating a Culture of Curiosity

To make these breakthroughs possible, Jay Nolan fosters a culture of curiosity that starts with the recruiters, whom Amey describes as “beautiful practitioners of curiosity” who look past labels to find the passion in a candidate.

This curiosity is what helps staff turn challenges into opportunities. Amey shared a story about a young student who thought he wasn’t any good at math. But Amey helped the boy realize that he actually was talented at math and did complex physical calculations every time he performed a trick on his BMX bike. “Your brain was built for math,” Amey recalled telling him. The boy passed his final.

The organization even maintains a risk fund to fuel this innovative spirit. If a staff member has a new idea to help someone achieve a dream, Amey puts money behind it to prove the concept.

Ultimately, this work is about helping people find their why. Amey sees a shift in the current generation toward seeking a social mission in their work. When people find meaningful work, it provides a sense of direction that changes everything.

"We have the opportunity to help someone change the trajectory of their life," he said. “You have no idea what ripple effect that may have.” 

Jay Nolan isn't just supporting individuals; they’re building a more complete and vibrant society by connecting with the possibilities in every person.