RWS Video

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.

Ashley is a woman who likes helping other people with disabilities. Ashley works part-time as a researcher at the Institute for Community Inclusion. What is Ashley’s story:

• Ashley heard about an available research job on a project team studying how people with disabilities make choices about work.
• Ashley applied and got the position. She worked with a mentor to learn all about the job.
• When she had finished work on the project, she had learned to do many different research tasks.
• Ashley was offered more project work and continues to work there part-time.

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.

Becca started with the Work Independence Network (WIN)* pilot project in 2004, and now works as an office clerk at Harrison Hospital in Washington 20 hours per week. Becca performs a wide range of tasks at the hospital. She tears down patient charts, prepares intake packets, and supports staff on clerical projects. She also makes copies and faxes documents to doctors in various departments. This job match is successful because of Becca's commitment and energy, and also because her job developer was able to engage Harrison Hospital, showing how creating a position for Becca would help to make one of its departments more efficient. Watch Becca's story here.

Ryan has been interested in nature since he was a small child, and once asked only for plants for his birthday. He lives in Reno, Nevada, likes math and science, and describes himself as a positive person. With his teacher as his job coach, Ryan transitioned from high school into the perfect job.

Lisa is a certified lifeguard and swim instructor at the YMCA in Fairfield, Connecticut. After much success as a competitive swimmer in the Special Olympics, Lisa transferred her skills to a career at the YMCA. As a lifeguard, Lisa tests chemical levels in the water and looks after swimmers by surveying the pool during swim sessions. As a swim instructor, Lisa prepares for class sessions and teaches group swim lessons. With support from her supervisor, coworkers, and family, Lisa earned and maintains the necessary certifications for her job, successfully carries out her work responsibilities, and has earned the reputation of being a responsible, detail-oriented, and dedicated employee at the YMCA.

Maggie likes being busy. She lives near Boston, MA, and has had several successful jobs in the community. Currently, she works as an office manager's assistant at AMP Agency.

Cody is a young man who wanted to work with children in the field of sports and recreation. Cody has reported challenges to obtaining such a position, including no prior experience, use of a motorized wheelchair for mobility, and limited speech. To overcome these barriers, Cody and his employment support staff developed, marketed, and adapted a new position as a greeter at a local YMCA. Watch Cody's story here.