Technology career turns his interests into impact

For Nathan Markley, technology has become a pathway to advocacy, storytelling and helping others find their voice.

Since first joining RIPIN as an intern in 2009, he has built a career that combines IT work, youth leadership and podcasting, all centered around community connection and creating opportunities for people with disabilities.

Markley’s employment journey began through the Northern Rhode Island Collaborative transition program while he was in high school. After he tried work placements in retail and hotel jobs, staff helped match him with a technology-focused opportunity.

“We talked about what my interests are and what I like to do,” said Markley, who is 35. “They were trying to find something with technology, and that’s when they found RIPIN.”

After interning for several months, he was hired in February 2010 as an IT assistant. Over the years, his responsibilities expanded alongside changes in workplace technology.

Today, his work includes help desk support, setting up computers and user accounts, managing servers and VPN access, maintaining the organization’s WordPress website and troubleshooting phone systems. He also assists with conferences and staff meetings by handling technical equipment, photography and video production.

Expanding roles and advocacy

In 2023, Markley added another role to his work at RIPIN: youth coordinator. He became involved with the Region A Youth Leaders Council, where youth advocates from different states share resources and ideas to support young adults with disabilities.

“To me, it’s like advocacy and helping others thrive,” he said.

The North Providence resident also coordinates RIPIN’s Youth Advisory Panel, which brings together youth and young adults with disabilities ages 14 to 24 four times a year. His advocacy work has taken him beyond Rhode Island, including speaking on a panel at the Office of Special Education Programs conference in Washington, D.C., and Virginia.

“I think over 200 people attended that session,” he said.

Markley also co-chairs RIPIN’s Staff Wellness Appreciation Group, known as SWAG, which organizes employee events and wellness activities. The group hosts luncheons, family events, wellness challenges and staff appreciation activities throughout the year.

While building his career, Markley was also pursuing college. From 2010 to 2020, he balanced work, school and personal projects. He earned an associate degree in computer studies from Community College of Rhode Island in 2016 with financial assistance from the Office of Rehabilitative Services before transferring to Roger Williams University, where he completed a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity in 2020.

To help navigate work and benefits while attending school, Markley had benefits counseling through the Sherlock Center and used Social Security work incentives, including a Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) and Ticket to Work supports. The PASS plan allowed him to set aside income for education and transportation expenses while continuing to receive SSI benefits.

“The plan was to go to college so I could get a job and come off [Supplemental Security Income],” he said. Today, he works full time and no longer receives SSI.

Using media to build community

Outside of his work at RIPIN, Markley has spent more than a decade building his own podcasting projects. He launched “The Nathan Markley Show,” originally focusing on technology news, product reviews and his experiences living with autism.

In 2020, after participating in the Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council’s Self-Employment Business Development program, he shifted the podcast toward interviews and conversations with entrepreneurs and community members.

“I really liked having an interview,” he said. “That’s where I decided to move my podcast to, doing more interviews.”

He now also offers podcast production support to others, helping with equipment setup, recording and editing.

In late 2024, Markley launched a RIPIN video podcast, “Unstoppable Futures,” focused on young adults with disabilities. Episodes cover topics including self-advocacy, healthy relationships, navigating criticism and designing a meaningful life.

“I really like podcasting. I want to continue finding ways to use my podcast and combining the advocacy into one. And I think using the podcast as a platform to share about people that normally don't have a voice in society would be good,” he said.

His advocacy work extends beyond podcasting. Markley serves as secretary on the board of directors for the Rhode Island Cross Disability Coalition and participates in the organization’s speaker’s bureau.

“I've been doing a lot of public speaking in the past five years,” he said. “I kind of like it.”

New horizons and goals

When the podcast headphones come off, Markley is often outdoors. He enjoys photography, especially landscapes and sunsets on Cape Cod. “I feel like you can kind of tell a story with landscapes,” he said.

His adventurous spirit led him to tent camping in New Hampshire with his dog – an experience that involved cooking in the rain and a realization that an upgrade might be in order. He began researching RV trailers that could eventually serve as both living and working space.

“My plan is with the RV is use it as a podcast studio. Bring it to people, bring it to guests,” he said. “It’s cheaper than buying a house. I want my own place, because I still live at home. And I was looking at houses and apartments and I don’t want to spend that much money.”

Markley is also rediscovering his musical roots. After playing the trumpet in middle and high school, he recently started bass guitar lessons – a shared hobby with his father, who is learning guitar.

For Markley, work has always been about more than a paycheck. It has provided opportunities for connection, growth and community involvement. He encourages others who have disabilities to try employment, too.

“I think working can be fun,” he said. “You get to meet a lot of different people. You may make friends, and it gets you out there in the community. And you can possibly learn a new skill. If there’s something you’re interested in, you can find something in that area and see if you like doing it. And at the same time, you could make a little extra spending money, too.”