Shoot For The Stars

“Shoot for the Stars” was the theme for the WV Bureau for Behavioral Health’s Annual Family Conference in Daniels, WV.  There were many invited guests discussing topics ranging from “Self-Advocacy” to “Peer Pressure-Stranger Danger”, and “Transitioning from High School”.  Daily Companions, Inc. spoke on “Customized Employment”.

Cathy Lee Irizarry-Barron, CESP (Certified Employment Specialist Professional) led the conference attendees through the Discovery Process and getting to know the consumer.  This is an essential step in finding a job that not only meets the consumer’s interest and skill level, but is complementary to the needs of the employer.  This may require the consumer, staff and employer to “customize” an open position to accommodate the needs of all involved.  Cathy Lee stressed the need to look “outside the box” for job lead resources, smaller employers, and creating a need within an employer they may not have realized they had.  This process is called “job carving”.

Success for Jonathan

Accompanying Cathy Lee was Jonathan Corley and his mother Sarah.  Jonathan discussed how Customized Employment has helped him.  He began at a local bank putting together new member Welcome folders, then a popular Pizza company had him distribute flyers to home; a convenience store hired him to work in the food area, a restaurant used him in the dishwashing and sanitation room.  His current position is at Black Dog Coffee and is a prime example of “job carving”.

Jonathan grinds coffee, labels bags, creates “sample” bags, makes iced coffee concentrates, and keeps the storage areas well organized.  By creating this position, the remaining staff have more time to focus on customer service.  Jonathan recently accompanied his fellow Black dog co-workers to the Coffee Fest Convention in Baltimore, MD.  He spoke excitedly about this experience.  Jonathan’s mother Sarah echoed the excitement of seeing her son thrive in the right environment, doing a job he loves, and having the right supports in place through Waiver and his Job Coach Teresa.  Jonathan has been at Black Dog Coffee for almost five years now.

Christian finds his field

Another example of successful Customized Employment is Christian Fields.  Over the course of a year and a half, Christian worked several different jobs.  He would become frustrated when either the job no longer fit his interest, or he would be let go unexpectedly.  During this process, Christian was asked by Cathy Lee to step outside of his comfort zone to try a night shift job utilizing his mechanical skills.  With much convincing by both Cathy Lee and his mother, Sally, Christian agreed to try this position.  The clincher for Christian was the pay – almost twice what his previous positions had paid, and part-time hours verses full-time.  Just think, he would make more money by working less hours!

Though he struggled in the beginning, Christian has been successfully employed at Fed Ex for over a year now.  He is cross trained in several areas and has received pay increases along the way.  Christian utilized “natural supports” in his co-workers and occasional visits from Cathy Lee at his worksite to succeed in place of a Job Coach.  His mother, Sally, emphasized “be patient, supportive, and to trust in the process.  Don’t push it and it will all come out in the end”.

Both young men did an exceptional job of helping peers and their families know they can work at a job they like.  All they have to do is take that first step, then “Shoot For The Stars”.

A new dance studio opened in Hagerstown, MD.  Fresh Academicz teaches the art of Hip Hop dancing, among other types.  Consumers of Daily Companions, Inc. were excited and a little nervous about their visit.

They were met by owner and dance instructor Peter Arizmendi.  Peter’s biography on the Fresh Academicz web site is very interesting – he has been performing since the age of nine.  His love of dance, and energy for it were very apparent as he lined everyone up and encouraged them to join in.  Even those normally shy were soon laughing and dancing.

The experience was very positive for DCI consumers.  They loved the fast beat and high energy of the dancing.  For them, dancing is a form of expressing emotions that they cannot always verbalize.  Peter has worked with this population before, and knew how to make everyone feel relaxed and a part of the whole experience.  Thanks Peter, for a very Hip Hop Happening!

Daily Companions employee, Cathy Lee Irizarry-Barron attended the APSE National Conference at Disney Coronado Springs in Florida.  APSE stands for “Association of people Supporting Employment 1st”.  A wide variety of workshops were offered to participants.  Cathy Lee states “I learned a great deal from each of the seminars I attended.  With over 140 different seminars offered over the 2 1/2 day event, it was hard to narrow my choices down to the 4 sessions each day, 10 sessions total.”

Cathy Lee choose “Effectively Working with Businesses to Increase Employment for People with Significant Disabilities” as one of her first seminars.  More effective ways to approach and re-approach businesses was taught. She learned the 30 second “Elevator Speech”, and the importance of developing a common interest with the employer as a crucial factor in getting them to open the door for consumers to become part of their workforce.  “We must create connections with employers in order to develop opportunities for Employment First”.

The Cintas Way

Cathy Lee continues “another significant seminar I attended was “Culture Based Hiring – The Cintas Way”.  Cintas, a nationwide employer, has developed a “Disability Inclusion Program” in partnership with Viaquest.  Cintas believes that since the clients they serve are diverse, the employees serving them need to be equally diverse.  Cintas does not address their workforce as employees.  Every person working with Cintas is a “Partner”, which recognizes their Diversity and Inclusivity.  ViaQuest presenter, Jason, stated businesses with “Diversity Team” have employees that perform better, the businesses become “Employers of Choice” (people WANT to work there), they become preferred Business Partners.  Businesses also have a higher employee retention rate, and have a reputation for being socially responsible in their communities.  It has been said many times that “Disability is the only stigma that transcends every Race, Creed, Sex, Religion, Language, and Continent”.  Cintas recognizes this and is moving forward in all its locations nationwide (121 so far, with more to come, including WV).  Stay tuned for more information!

UPS Transitional Learning Center

Fed Ex in Louisville, KY is also paving the way for individuals with disabilities through their UPS Transitional Learning Center.  Cathy Lee had the opportunity to meet Bryce Clayton from UPS, his mother and Job Coach, Heidi, and his Employment Specialist, Libby Gootee of Options Unlimited, Inc.  Together, they have worked with Bryce, supporting him at Fed Ex.  Fed Ex has developed a 2 week program in which attendees learn to maneuver within the plant, where to ask for clarification on the job, as well as knowing their rights on the job.  By having this specialized training, the new workers have the skills necessary to effectively perform their job, and know whom to ask should they need some extra help.  Libby states this program has been mutually beneficial to all.  The program has been so successful for Bryce, that after 3 years on the job he was recently promoted to a Supervisor, meeting his career goal with UPS.  Bryce credits his success to being part of an employment team targeted towards his success.  Bryce was recognized at the APSE Conference as being the recipient of the “Personal Achievement Award” of the year as voted by APSE Members and Conference participants.  Bryce is a shining example to everyone of pushing through to making one’s Dreams Come True.  He strives to give back to the workers he supervises, and to be a positive role model.

Meaningful Life

Cathy Lee says “one of the most thought provoking seminars I attended was “Meaningful Life”.  There was so much to learn in this seminar about helping others find purpose.   I could not sum it up better than John McKnight who said “Our goal should be clear.  We are seeking nothing less than a life surrounded by the richness and diversity of community.  A collective life.  A common life.  A powerful life that gains its joy from the creativity and connectedness that comes when we join in association as citizens to create an inclusive world”.

Lastly “all our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them” – Walt Disney

Daily Companions, Inc. would like to say “Congratulations” to the Class of 2018 in the Eastern Panhandle!  This is a great time to be exploring options for employment, vocational training and college.

DCI has been awarded a Customized Employment Grant that will allow our professionals to assist individuals who were active in Work Exploration and/or had an IEP, to identify their interest in a competitive integrated employment at no cost to the individual.  Individuals, 18 year old or older, and are on the Autism Spectrum, I/DD Spectrum, or have had a Traumatic Brain Injury, may contact Ms. Cathy or Ms. Holly at 304-263-5008, Monday through Friday, between 8am and 4pm.

Our professionals have many connections with the businesses in the Eastern Panhandle, and look forward to assisting you!

DCI Consumers were amazed at the Nature Connects: Art with LEGO Bricks on view at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester.  This is an outdoor exhibition that brings nature to life with sculptures built with more than 400,000 LEGO bricks.  The brick sculptures were designed by artist Sean Kenney.

DCI Consumers could not contain their excitement at seeing a six-foot hummingbird, a peacock, a deer family, and a garden scene with a father and child planting.  The MSV web site says “the Museum’s formal gardens have been transformed into a fun, outdoor gallery for the exhibition.  The LEGO sculptures are installed throughout the Museum’s seven acres of gardens to encourage visitors to explore the landscape as they search each one.”

As the consumers made their way through the gardens, there was much excitement at finding the next exhibit.  Inside the museum they found loose LEGO’s to build their own designs with.  What a wonderful surprise!  If you have not visited the Museum yet, you should be sure to go before the exhibit ends in September.

DCI consumers had the opportunity to tour the 167th Airlift Wing Base in Martinsburg.  The group was warmly received.  They enjoyed a treat upon arrival while they waited for the bus and tour guides that were to accompany them.

The first stop was the Fire Department.  They listened to a brief, but very informative, talk about what to do (and what not to do) in the event of a fire.  They were then able to look at a fire suit (some tried part of it on!) and some of the equipment used by the firemen.  A big thrill was the chance to climb onto and around several of the fire trucks.  It was pointed out how the air guard firetrucks were “supersized” compared to regular firetrucks.

Next stop was a tour up into the air control tower.  How far you can see from here!  Everyone was amazed at the lovely view of Berkeley County.  Watching a small prop plane land and take off several times as it flew formations was especially fascinating.

The last stop was the chance to board one of the really large military planes.  The consumers were able to walk around and have a look at the inside of the plane.  They sat in the jump seats.  Finally they went up into the cockpit for a look around and a chat with one of the pilots.  What a great day!

On Saturday, March 24th 2018, the Customized Employment Grant Staff held a job Fair to benefit individuals who are high school seniors attending the Work Exploration Program or individuals who have graduated from the Work Exploration Program.  Individuals having a diagnosis of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, including Autism and/or Traumatic Brain Injury are eligible for free services to assist in gaining competitive wage employment.

The panel included representatives from EPTA, Best Buy, ROC’s, Cracker Barrel, Fed Ex, Home Depot, The Martinsburg Civitan Club, and Megan Pigott, advocate from Disability Rights of WV.  The panel discussion included topics of what was expected from potential employees, restriction of cell phones in the workplace, personal appearance, arriving on time for work, the different types of employment positions that are open at this time, training provided, and the employment/hiring process.  Information was shared on our successes of collaborative support and the mutual benefits of customized employment.

Our guest panelist enjoyed meeting and discussing employment opportunities with parents and potential applicants.  the guest panel also enjoyed meeting other businesses in the community and interacting with our customized employment staff.

Individuals and parent found this Job Fair to be very informational and enjoyed speaking with the representatives about the interviewing process.  One parent shared “it was a gold mine of information”.

DCI would like to express our gratitude to all participants in the panel discussion.  Flyers were posted in businesses, on DCI website and on Facebook.

Unfortunately Berkeley County Schools were unable to share the information about the Job Fair with any parents or students.

DCI consumers visited O’Sullivans Horse Farm.  The farm is well into Spring foaling season and there were a number of foals for the consumers to see.  It was a thrill for consumers to pet some of the foals and mares; they were able to give carrots and feed to them with the permission of the farm manager.  The consumers were interested to learn that two foals had been orphaned and were with adoptive mothers.  Some of the beautiful stallions were viewed from a distance.

DCI would like to thank the staff of O’Sullivans for giving DCI consumers such a wonderful visit.  If you have not had a chance to see these beautiful animals, be sure to check out their web site, or drop by for a visit.  Nothing says Spring like foals frolicking in the fields!