TOPEKA (KSNT) – Tyler Anderson said finding his first job was not easy.
The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center employee said he repeatedly landed interviews but struggled to get hired. Anderson, who is on the autism spectrum, said things changed when he was connected with employment support services through his high school.
“No one was hiring me,” Anderson said. “I kept getting interviews, but I kept getting rejected after interviews. That impacted my mental health tremendously until I was introduced to the program at my high school.”
Through his school’s transition services, Anderson was introduced to programs designed to help students with disabilities prepare for life after graduation. Those connections eventually led him to Lifeworx, an organization that helps connect people with disabilities to employment opportunities, and later to the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center.
“That’s when I met Terry at Lifeworx,” Anderson said. “He gave me the opportunity to work at the Discovery Center.”
Anderson said he initially wasn’t sure the Discovery Center would be the right fit.
“It wasn’t my first choice because I never thought I would be good with children,” Anderson said. “I decided to enroll in the Discovery Center, and I think it was definitely the best choice in hindsight now because I learned a lot from this place.”
He first joined the Discovery Center as a volunteer in 2025. After completing more than 200 volunteer hours, he transitioned into a paid position as a playologist.
Today, Anderson helps maintain exhibits, clean and organize museum spaces, assist visitors and interact with children and families throughout the museum.
Laura Burton, director of marketing for the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, said Anderson quickly stood out as a volunteer because of his work ethic and attention to detail.
“I think a couple of things that really stood out about Tyler, first of all, just his work ethic and his commitment to detail,” Burton said. “You have to be able to notice when things are out of place. You have to be able to jump in and notice when things need done.”
Burton said Anderson has become an important part of the museum’s day-to-day operations.
“Tyler is one of the amazing staff here at the Discovery Center that really make the magic happen for kids and families,” Burton said.
Burton added that having employees with different backgrounds, experiences and abilities helps the Discovery Center better serve the families who visit.
“We have kids of all abilities,” Burton said. “We have caregivers of all abilities. So. our staff needs to reflect that so that we make sure we are a welcoming and safe environment for everybody who walks in.”
Anderson is currently attending college, where he is majoring in political science and minoring in public policy and U.S. intelligence. He said he hopes to eventually work in government or a nonprofit.
He also hopes other students with disabilities take advantage of the resources available to them.
“Don’t be afraid to rely on other people for help,” Anderson said. “Taking advantage of as many opportunities as you can is the best way to success.”
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