Real Work Stories

Chad is a man in his 20s who enjoys physical jobs, is outgoing and loves baking. He hoped to find a job that would keep him very busy without being too fast-paced and would allow him to be social, interacting with and helping customers. As Chad began a bakery job, although the job tasks were a perfect match for his interests, the fast pace, the structure, and the change in management were not. Instead of giving up, Chad found another position where the pace and customer interaction matched his skills and personality. He now works full time with full benefits.

After Josh graduated from high school, he decided to gain additional experience as an AmeriCorps volunteer. Like many young people, he had tried various jobs in high school, but still wasn't sure what kind of job he really wanted. His time with AmeriCorps helped him take the next step toward a career. In fact, Josh has opened his own business as a result of knowledge and experience he gained in AmeriCorps.

Frankie is a 21-year-old man who lives in Haworth, Oklahoma. His interests include rescuing animals and caring for his 11 dogs. With the help of his service coordinator from the Developmental Disabilities Services Division, Frankie was able to offer his employer payment for 12 months of on-the-job supports. Frankie works from 6:30 in the morning to 3:30 in the afternoon every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday for the City of Idabel.

Nicole currently works part-time as a classroom assistant at a child-care center. Her goal is to develop and advance a career in childcare and to work at the center full-time. Nicole is using multiple paths to advance in her chosen career field. A volunteer opportunity is allowing her to gain more experience in the field, a second job is readying her for a fuller schedule and contributing to her overall income, and continuing education is preparing her for the necessary certifications.

Miranda loves children and is also interested in helping other people with disabilities. She provides childcare during the school year at the Brookline Early Education Program in Brookline, Massachusetts. Because of Miranda's strong interest in childcare and the employer's inclusive philosophy, her job developer approached the employer with the idea of creating a meaningful job.

Reid was one of the first people hired through the Work Independence Network (WIN)* pilot project. Reid has great social skills but limited communication skills. Prior to becoming involved with the pilot project in 2004, he was deemed "unemployable" by administrators in the school and vocational rehabilitation systems. Thanks to his own initiative and to some creative thinking by his job developer and job coach, Reid now works approximately 16 hours per week at the Rehabilitation Clinic at Harrison Hospital, where he cleans equipment, maintains the pool, play, and therapy areas, and stocks linens.

Eric lives in Seattle, Washington and has always been interested in the difference people make if they vote and advocate for the issues they care about. He has worked since 2010 as an advocacy and outreach specialist for the Arc of King County. The Arc is a non-profit organization that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families to live, work, and play in their communities. Eric's leadership skills and the support he receives on the job help him to handle a busy schedule and many responsibilities.

Carrie works in the kitchen of a small private school. This is her first job in the community. She enjoys reciprocal, caring relationships with several of her coworkers. The natural support of her colleagues has enabled her to be successful at her job and form friendships that extend beyond the workday.

Melissa lives in Montana, and loves dogs. She owns and operates Lissie's Luv Yums, a gourmet dog-biscuit business. Melissa also educates others about employment for people with disabilities and about living with and preventing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).

John's planning process was a combined effort of focused planning, aggressive job development, strong family advocacy, good use of personal networks, and professional collaboration; this allowed John to reach his goal of getting a job in the community. He currently works at Jo-Ann Fabrics three days per week, stocking and organizing bolts of fabric and filling bins of yarn.