Building trust to find work

Keshawn Martin has worked at Five Guys Burgers and Fries since the end of September. At Five Guys, Keshawn does a variety of food prep like cutting potatoes, as well as general cleaning around the restaurant. 

HCDDS Employment Navigator Julie Combs has been working with Keshawn for more than a year. She helped connect him to Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities and job developers, as well as assisting him with career goals and looking for jobs in the community.

“He was very reserved until we built our relationship and established his trust with us,” she said. “I’m really proud of him, and I am impressed with the caliber of his work ethic and his determination.”

Before getting this job, Keshawn worked at Kroger and Longhorn Steakhouse. “I want to get my own apartment,” he said about why he likes having a job in the community. 

Happy Retirement, Tom!

For Tom Fessler, it’s going to be strange not going to work each weekday. But, after 20 years at McDonald’s, he’s very much looking forward to retirement.

Tom, 55, recently retired from the North College Hill location, where he cleaned the lobby and bathrooms, took out the garbage, and completed various other tasks. “I liked the job, and the people that I worked for,” he said. “They all got along well with me and they were very nice.”

Before finding his job at McDonald’s, Tom worked at Beckman Adult Center, then operated by Hamilton County DD Services (HCDDS). “When we started Community Connections, some of us did job development and took people who worked at the adult centers into the community to look for jobs,” said Kelle Crawford, who now works as an HCDDS transition consultant. “He initially was just going to do the lobby, but we introduced more jobs as he mastered each one, like washing dishes or making fries.”

His mom, Jo, said she was happy her son got a job in the community and learned a variety of skills. “We were really proud of him when he was voted employee of the month,” she said. “They gave him an award, and it was shaped like the french fries box!”

Tom had been off work for several months because of COVID-19, and when he was called back to work, he decided it wasn’t safe to return and he would retire.

“I was really happy with my retirement. I’ve been very busy and a big help to my mom around the house,” he said.

Now, he’s looking forward to attending a new day program, and continuing to bowl and golf with his friends from Special Olympics.

• 

• 

• 

Teamwork & the trades

Near the back of a vast warehouse, Drew Jones is straightening boards among stacks of lumber that nearly reach the ceiling. He’s close to the end of his shift at Hyde Park Lumber, where he works part-time as a warehouse organizer.

“If I see a board hanging off the stack, I put it on top of the other boards to make it even,” he said, adding that it took time to learn how to maneuver the boards but now he does it with ease. Jones, 21, also straightens up around the warehouse by picking up loose straps and other wood debris.

“Drew does his job and a lot more. He keeps the warehouse clean, which helps out everyone,” said owner Mike Judy. “He’s a ray of sunshine around here and a pleasure to have around.”

It’s his first job, and one he got with help from Laura Grimes, the supported employment manager at LADD, Inc. Nathan Beck, employment navigation supervisor for Hamilton County DD Services, shared the job lead after learning Hyde Park Lumber was looking to fill a vacancy when another employee went to college.

“Drew was my first thought for this job – he doesn’t live far and could handle all the requirements,” Grimes said. “It’s not your typical placement, but they take care of him. It just happened and was very natural.”

At first Jones spent time learning how to do his work as the various machines moved around the warehouse. He was also shy, but now spending time with his co-workers is his favorite part of the job. “They’re fun and funny,” he said, noting that they look out for him and, “I look out for them.”

Back in the break room, Jones, who has Down syndrome, shares high-fives and jokes with his co-workers as they pass through, including Pat Mullee, who runs the warehouse.

“Drew is awesome and respectful, and has a good rapport with the guys,” Mullee said. “You don’t have to constantly watch him – he knows what to do and does it. He’s always on time, takes care of his dedicated areas, and lets me know if something needs attention.”

Having this job makes him feel more independent, Jones said. He encouraged other people with developmental disabilities who want to work in the community to get out of their comfort zone, put in hard work and find something they enjoy.

 

Gaining confidence and building skills

Emily Boehl likes to keep things neat and organized at her job as a part-time, cafeteria assistant. She keeps a steady supply of milk lined up in rows by flavor, carefully making sure students can see the labels as they file through the line.

Boehl, 21, has been working at St. Clement’s School in St. Bernard for the past six months, thanks to a program called Pathways to Employment at Scarlet Oaks.

She began attending Pathways three years ago, after her senior year at St. Rita’s School for the Deaf. At first Boehl, who has an intellectual disability and apraxia, was anxious and struggled to communicate with her iPad.

“The teachers and coaches at Pathways have helped Emily to feel proud of herself, more confident in her abilities, and build her vocational skills,” said Olivia Cope, her HCDDS service and support administrator.

Boehl and her family regularly attend Mass at St. Clement Church, and the familiar faces helped boost her confidence on the job. “Emily is really funny and nice, and she tries to help where she can. We like having her here a lot,” said Theresa Schrand, her supervisor.

She overcame significant hurdles and, when asked if she likes her job, Boehl gave a very confident “thumbs up” and a big smile.

Boehl graduated from Pathways in May and received the R.A. Horn Award for outstanding student achievement at a ceremony in Columbus on June 11. The Pathways to Employment team also earned the Franklin B. Walter Award for outstanding educators.

From no work experience to 40 hours a week — now he’s thriving at his job

After his break, Joe Riley walks back to the warehouse floor, chats briefly with the line manager and takes his place behind the conveyor belt.

Boxes start rolling down the assembly line and Riley, 22, begins placing items inside each one that goes by his station. He works 40 hours a week at Nehemiah, a light manufacturing company in the West End.

“Joe is very shy and he didn’t talk to anyone his first few days,” said Kasie Cowan, an HCDDS service and support administrator. “He left early on his first day at work because of his anxiety, but he’s made a lot of progress and is opening up and making friends.”

Before starting his job at Nehemiah, Riley had no work experience and spent most of his days at home watching TV or playing video games. “My grandma encouraged me to find something to do to get me out of the house,” he said.

With help from Cowan and job developers at Ohio Valley Goodwill, he landed this job and now works independently.

Shanta Adams, an assistant supervisor at Nehemiah, has worked with Riley since he started. Even though Riley had a rough start, Adams and other coworkers were patient and friendly, trying to help him adjust.

“He’s stepped up a lot and has come a long way,” she said. “We needed him to speak up when he knew some of the work was incorrect. At first, he didn’t report it but now he communicates much better and is doing a good job.”

Two years ago, interacting with his coworkers seemed like an impossible obstacle. Now he regularly joins them after work hours to attend football games or spend the day at Coney Island.

Riley recently started receiving benefits from Nehemiah, is earning paid time off and has started saving money for his retirement. He was named Employee of the Month in November.

“You can really see the change – he’s more communicative now and happy,” Cowan said. “His coworkers cheer him on and encourage him.”

Motivation leads to customized community job

Deneka Jett remembers the exact moment and how she felt. Last August, shortly after her job interview, she found out she was hired as a customer support representative for Sears at Northgate Mall.

“I was really excited and jumping up and down on the inside,” she said with a huge smile. It’s her first community job and a position created just for her. Jett, who uses a power wheelchair, welcomes customers to the store and guides them to specific departments.

She tried working in the community before but wasn’t successful. This time it was different.

Deneka Jett with her SSA Andrea Bunting, who helped her try to find community employment

“I wanted more than anything to feel good about myself and be more important and motivated,” she said. Her Service and Support Administrator Andrea Bunting helped reopen her case with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD). After a few initial meetings with OOD, Jett, 46, chose Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries as her job developer. Each week, she met with Employment Specialist Mark Leugers to practice her computer and interview skills.

“She’s very social and not shy,” Bunting said. “Mark worked well with Deneka, and I think that made the difference. He has a knack for creating jobs.”

After learning about Jett’s interests, strengths and skills, Leugers met with multiple employers to find the right fit. When he walked into the Northgate Sears store, something clicked. “The layout was confusing – I didn’t know where the office was – so I told them how Deneka could benefit Sears and how it was a great customer service opportunity,” he said. “They loved the idea, and we figured out how to make it work with their job description.”

Jett said she struggled a bit at first, especially learning the store layout, but she was open to learning more about her job. “Don’t give up, I almost did,” she said. “It feels so good to get up and say ‘I got to go to work today.’ And it feels good to have my manager say I’m doing a great job and am a good employee.”

She works two days a week at Sears and attends REM Ohio four days a week, where she’s brushing up on her computer skills to advance in her position.

“Deneka initiated this whole process because she wanted to try again. Sometimes that’s all it takes,” Bunting said.

Finding the right fit at Xavier University

Jason Morency zips around the room refilling napkin holders in his section, occasionally stopping at a table to share one of his signature jokes. It’s around 3 p.m. on a gray January day, and he is in the middle of his shift at Xavier University’s dining hall, where he works about 30 hours a week.

Morency, who has tuberous sclerosis, has been there for six years but began working on the college campus in 2011, as part of Project Search, a job-training program for young adults with disabilities. His first job was delivering mail and he held other positions before switching to the dining hall.

Jason Morency smiles in the Xavier University dining hall during his shift. He landed the job after completing Project SEARCH.

“When I found out I was going to be hired, I was excited and speechless,” he said. “I’m very particular and like to make things organized and look neat.”

In addition to filling napkin holders, Morency tops off salt and pepper shakers, wipes down tables and sweeps floors in his sections. Sometimes he also helps co-workers by filling condiments or restocking bread, fruit and other food.

“We’re all about teamwork, and Jason is fast and efficient and good at what he does,” said Denise Harston, who also works in the dining hall. “He always talks to people, jokes with students and is very helpful. We all love him—he’s part of the family.”

Interactions with students and welcoming colleagues are his favorite part of the job. “I feel lucky and fortunate for my schedule and the people I work with,” he said. “It’s fun and can be stressful at times, but that makes you think of the positive parts of the job because there are so many nice people.”

His mom, Sue, said her son enjoys working in the dining hall and got to know a lot of the staff while he was delivering mail. “He’s always thrived when he’s around people,” she said. “He has a wonderful boss who is accepting and understanding, and does a fantastic job of making sure Jason is where he fits best.”

Morency, 27, moved into his own condo in August 2016 , where he continues to collect tabs for the local Ronald McDonald House.  It’s a hobby he began when he was 8 years old and has donated more than 2,500 pounds of tabs, which helps fund the organization’s programs. When not working, he’s also active in the Special Olympics, playing soccer, basketball and other sports.

Creating a technology-accessible workplace

Employers who make workplaces accessible — including with technology — can attract top talent. The Partnership on Employment and Accessible Technology (PEAT) is hosting a webinar for employers to learn how accessible technology can improve their bottom line.

See the description below and register here.

In today’s workplace, technology is one of the central drivers of productivity and success for all workers. But when workplace technology isn’t accessible for everyone, it can cause employers to miss out on top talent. Join the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion and the Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology on February 22 for a webinar on creating a technology-accessible workplace. Employers can learn about accessible workplace technology and how to ensure their organization’s technology infrastructure is accessible for everyone, including employees with disabilities.

Determination, support leads to two fulfilling jobs

At the back of the Little Caesar’s Ring Road, Jeff Everett is busy filling pans before the lunch rush hits. He’s focused on his current task, arranging chicken wings in the square pan as if he’s filling in pieces of a puzzle.

A little later, he moves to the pizza line, swirling sauce on unbaked crusts and topping each one with cheese and pepperoni. “I like all the different things to do, and my co-workers are friendly,” he said.

In addition to his job at Little Caesar’s, he works at Frisch’s two days a week. Jeff, who is 47 and has Down syndrome, was employed before his family moved to Harrison, but finding a job here was a completely different experience.

In Chicago, where the Everett family lived before coming to Cincinnati in July 2016, Jeff went through job training in school and was placed at Jewel-Osco grocery store, where he worked for 28 years, said his mom, Sue.

“Jeff had a big transition to go through when we moved. In Chicago, he did other things as well as work—his life was very full,” she said. “He’s done remarkable with the changes.”

After settling in, Jeff expressed interest in looking for a job because he likes staying busy. Unsure of what opportunities they’d find and worried Jeff would easily fall out of a work routine if he stayed at home with nothing to do, his mom reached out to Nathan Beck, employment navigation supervisor for Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services.

“Once he decided he wanted to work, it was full-steam ahead,” Sue said.

Beck sat down with the family to discuss Jeff’s employment goals and locally available resources. He helped them set up a search with Ohio Means Jobs, connected Jeff to Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities and started looking at openings in the community. As they visited local businesses, Sue said the biggest obstacle was the online application process required by many places, including Home Depot, Kroger and McDonald’s.

“I truly believe you’ve got to get in front of someone. For a person seeking employment, especially someone with a disability, it’s a huge barrier and the impression you make in person can make or break the opportunity,” she said.

At Frisch’s, her instinct proved true. Jeff walked in, talked to the restaurant manager and was later hired to clear tables and clean the dining room.

When he started at Frisch’s in October 2016, he had a job coach, who also followed him to Little Caesar’s when Jeff took on a second job that same month. Tabitha Davis, his supervisor at the pizza chain, said Jeff works independently but his job coach still checks in with him. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the longer I worked with Jeff, the easier it was,” Davis said. “He knows what’s expected and is always trying to learn and go to the next level.”

Though Jeff had some difficulty with his job search, he’s happy to be working again. “It’s not always easy, but I like it,” he said. “I knew I could do it on my own and it feels good.”

Shortly after he was hired at Little Caesar’s, his case was opened by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, which continued providing a job coach. “Jeff could have waited around but he took initiative—moving careers and leading the whole process,” Beck said. “His family was really supportive. They took him to interviews, helped him apply and assisted with technology when needed.”

The path Jeff took and the job search process was tough, but it’s “not an impossible task,” Sue said. “Fortunately, we had the support and help exploring different options.  We did learn it’s an ongoing process and takes a team!”

When he’s not working, Jeff enjoys watching wrestling with his brother and participating in the Special Olympics.  He also loves to travel and going out to eat.

Webinar: Paving the way to employment

Guided Group Discovery (GGD) is a universal design approach used within workforce development systems to enable youth and adults with disabilities, and others who faces barriers to employment, to secure and maintain employment.

These strategies serve as an alternative assessment tool that identifies the strengths and ideal conditions of employment for job seekers with and without disabilities, resulting in a “blueprint” to guide job development.

A webinar hosted by the LEAD Center is set for 3 p.m. Monday, June 26. Click here for details and registration information.

Participants will learn about Guided Group Discovery pilot projects and how to implement these practices through cross-system partnerships.