People with Disabilities

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In recent years, technology improvements have made translation easier between those who use ASL and those who speak. However, more than 50% of Deaf Americans do not work due to obstacles to obtaining employment, despite their qualifications. PRIDE Industries offers job training and placement services to help applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing to overcome employment barriers and progress in their careers.

Monica Salazar was one such individual. “I was working at a job manufacturing garments, but was laid off when business slowed down. Looking for a new job is a struggle since I am Deaf and communicate via American Sign Language (ASL). Communication was a barrier – even in getting an interview, I was out of work for half a year and began struggling financially.”

To overcome these challenges, Monica sought help from the Texas Workforce Commission’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services; her counselor suggested that she enroll at PRIDE Ascend in El Paso, TX.

Job Training and Placement for People with Disabilities

PRIDE Ascend was created to meet the growing demand for skilled labor and help people with disabilities overcome employment barriers. The program helps people with disabilities gain technical skills and earn industry-based certifications in El Paso, TX, and Sacramento, CA.

Participants receive an assessment and meet with PRIDE’s dedicated staff to explore career interests and job placement and training opportunities. Each individual receives accommodations, training, and instruction tailored to their needs to ensure workplace success.

Monica graduated the program with an NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) certificate in Construction Technology. She also earned an OSHA 10 Safety Card. Once she obtained the certificate, Ascend’s Employment Services staff placed Monica into a paid internship at the Hampton Inn, which was made possible by generous donors to PRIDE Industries Development and Donor Services.

“After making the connection and sharing information about PRIDE’s job training and placement services, Hampton Inn’s General Manager Gabe Ayoub was very enthusiastic about having Monica as an intern,” said Sezne Hernandez, Employment Placement Specialist.

Ongoing Training and Support after Placement

During her internship, Monica vacuumed the halls, cleaned restrooms, maintained the swimming pool area and gym, did laundry, and more. She excelled in this welcoming environment, and after her 90-day internship, Monica was hired on the spot as a Houseman. In addition to her internship tasks, she uses her construction skills performing maintenance in guest rooms, painting, and caulking.

Along the way, PRIDE Ascend’s job training and placement services were available to Monica. She received resources and encouragement as she transitioned into her full-time position from her internship.

“PRIDE Ascend’s support helped me be successful in my classes, allowing me to obtain a certificate and to gain the skills that I use today in my job,” said Monica. “Through the internship, I was able to learn a lot, and my job coach helped me transition into my new position, which eventually led me to getting hired permanently!

From the support of PRIDE Ascend and my co-workers, I have found success. Through overcoming the challenges of entering a new career field, I have become more motivated and will continue working hard to achieve my goals, including obtaining my driver’s license and buying a vehicle, as I currently take public transportation. I am working to become a supervisor in my department and saving to buy a house.”

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“To facilitate communication, he posted a chart with signs for the ASL alphabet, and immediately had all the staff learn how to sign Monica’s name in ASL, as well as 'good morning' and 'good evening' so she would feel welcomed and as a part of the team.”

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For more than 20 years, Robert Teaff owned a swimming pool cleaning business. He encountered personal hardship and found himself facing homelessness. With a learning disability and limited resources, he sought assistance from PRIDE Industries’ career coaching services in the hopes of re-entering the workforce with a long-term career.

Comprehensive Career Coaching Services

“I learned about PRIDE Industries while job searching on my own,” said Robert. “The mission to create jobs for people with disabilities and the opportunities for advancement all convinced me that it was a great company to work for. Through my Department of Rehabilitation Counselor, I was referred to PRIDE Industries’ Employment Services Office in Woodland, CA, in Spring 2019.”

At PRIDE Industries Robert connected with job coach Alissa Villegas to shape the skills needed to re-enter the job market, starting with building his resume from scratch.“When I first came to PRIDE Industries, I didn’t even have a resume, since I had never needed one,” Robert shared. With help from Alissa, he built his resume, honed his computer skills, and showcased his abilities to potential employers.

To help Robert reach his goal of working for PRIDE Industries, Alissa contacted PRIDE’s Recruiter at the Sacramento International Airport to recommend a job interview. In June 2019, Robert aced the interview and the recruiter hired him as a Custodian. “I felt so happy when I heard that I got the job; it was the best feeling in the world,” said Robert.

Job Coaches Dedicated to Post-Search Success

Once an applicant successfully searches for and lands a job, PRIDE Industries’ career services team provides ongoing support. This support ensures lasting success and satisfaction for the employee.

HR Representative and Case Manager Tameka Rich and Job Coach John Edwards arranged job coaching sessions. These sessions checked in on Roberts progress at his new job. After only a month, Robert was already receiving comments through PRIDE’s First-Class Customer Service Program regarding his excellent work.

“I feel appreciated and enjoy getting praised for what I do,” said Robert. “I am often thanked by people for cleaning the bathrooms so well and told that they are the cleanest they’ve ever seen.”

The following comment in particular called out Robert’s thoughtfulness:

“I have a temporary disability and needed to use the restroom, which was closed for cleaning. I asked through the taped-off section if the custodian could come to the entrance. After Robert saw I had a disability, he opened it up for me to use. This courtesy demonstrated Robert going above and beyond to accommodate me.”

Robert loves his job and is enthusiastic about his bright future. “I am proud to represent PRIDE Industries at the Sacramento Airport,” he said. “Without their help, I’d still be looking for a job today! My new goal is to work my way up to a custodial lead or supervisor, or possibly a job coach to help others with disabilities succeed in their jobs. With the earnings from this new job, I am also saving up money for a new apartment for my family and cat.”

“My job means everything to me. It’s the heart of my life. I feel worthy and confident.”

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PRIDE’s Job Developers assess each client’s strengths, abilities, and career interests to help make job placements through community employer connections.

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“Despite my learning disability and being out of the formal job market for so long, I found that getting back in was an easy experience!”

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With motivation and drive, as well as the support of on-the-job training programs, John Miller Madrid rapidly built his career. Soon after graduating from high school, he started working as an Associate at Amazon’s Sort Center in San Bernardino, CA. “Before starting my job, I worked with my uncle in his mechanic shop, helping fix cars and cleaning the shop,” said John. “I enjoyed working with cars and started considering commercial driving as a career field.”

John desired to grow in his role at Amazon while working toward his goal of earning a CDL. To this end, John sought on-the-job training and support from PRIDE Industries. Ultimately, the support helped him succeed while making the workplace accessible in light of his learning disability.

After the Hire: On-the-Job Training Programs for Long-Term Success

As an Alternative Workforce Supplier for Amazon, PRIDE Industries partners with the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR). In this role, PRIDE places referred candidates with disabilities into warehouse associate positions across California. To ensure success, PRIDE’s team of job coaches provides training, encouragement, and career advice.

John began working at the Amazon Sort Center in San Bernardino, CA. There, he categorized customer orders by their destination in the Southern California region. Next, he consolidated the orders onto trucks for rapid delivery. This incredibly fast-paced job requires accuracy and attention to detail.

“From the beginning, PRIDE’s staff provided beneficial training, and their on-site assistance gave me reassurance that someone was always there to help me,” said John. “I have auditory processing disorder (a learning disability that impacts the brain’s ability to filter and interpret sounds), which can make listening difficult. With their help, I learned quickly, and soon my managers knew that they could rely on me.”

John quickly proved his skills and earned a promotion. He then began to work with inbound and outbound delivery. Notably, his manager nominated him for the Top Performer Award in 2018 for hard work and willingness to help his team.

From Training to Moving Ahead

Meanwhile, John didn’t forget about his love of cars and his ultimate career goal.

“John had originally expressed an interest in working with vehicles, and we encouraged him to work towards a commercial driving position,” said PRIDE Employment Relationship Coordinator Mayra De Alba-Cajas. “The perfect opportunity appeared in 2019 when John applied and was hired for a Yard Hostler position due to his excellent performance record.” (A yard hostler directs vehicles at parking or docking areas to move, position, or park trucks or trailers.)

During hostler training, John worked in the yard shack to supervise night shift trucks. After completing his training, he took responsibility for organizing semi-trailers in the yard.

In 2019, funded by Amazon, John earned his CDL and began working as a truck driver with C.R. England. He thanked Amazon and PRIDE Industries for helping him reach his career goals.

Need employment placement support?

Contact our I AM ABLE Helpline to discuss your options.

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”Working at Amazon has changed my life. I have developed a career track and improved my communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.”

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Every day, thousands of people receive packages from Amazon on their front doorstep. Helping make this rapid turn-around possible, Associate Kenneth “Kenny” Valdivia contributes significantly to Amazon’s warehouse team in Los Angeles, CA. With a positive, can-do attitude, he sorts and scans packages each shift to ensure they reach their correct destination.

Kenny is on the Autism Spectrum (ASD), a developmental disability that affects communication, behavior, and interaction with others. Depending on the individual, symptoms can be mild or severe. Although awareness of the autism spectrum is increasing, it is still misunderstood, which can make getting a job difficult. Like many individuals who are on the Autism Spectrum, Kenny struggled to find employment where he could feel fulfilled and achieve his potential.

With the help of PRIDE Industries’ job placement and employment services for people with autism, Kenny was able to procure employment with Amazon, a job that he truly enjoys.

Helping People with Autism Find Employment

“I received my Autism diagnosis as a child,” said Kenny. “My parents had never heard of Autism before and didn’t know how to help me adjust with the symptoms. Growing up, it was often difficult making friends since they didn’t understand my disability.”

Despite earlier challenges, things started getting better when Kenneth began attending a high school program designed for young adults on the Autism Spectrum. “I started making more friends and gained confidence in my own voice. I have always known that I have the same abilities as everyone else; I sometimes need a different approach when it comes to communication.”

After graduating from a vocational skills certification program, Kenny started to look for employment in a warehouse environment. Despite his qualifications and hard work ethic, job interviews proved to be a significant obstacle to getting a job offer, as he struggled with eye contact and communication.

This changed in October 2018 when Kenny’s Department of Rehabilitation counselor referred him to PRIDE Industries’ Employment Services, which placed him into a Warehouse Associate Position with Amazon in Los Angeles.

Since 2017, PRIDE Industries has partnered with Amazon as an Alternative Workforce Supplier to recruit, assess, interview, train, and provide onsite employment support for people with Autism. PRIDE leverages their person-centered services including assessments, job skills development, training, placement, and ongoing support to ensure long-term employment success.

“From the start of the training, Kenny was eager to start the day, and he learned quickly,” said PRIDE Job Coach Catalina Hurtado. “His enthusiasm is appreciated by his colleagues and supervisors. Kenny is very driven and always pushing himself to reach his units per hour.”

Getting a Job Is Just the Beginning

Employment brings much more than a paycheck; it also helps individuals develop confidence and purpose. The resilience that Kenny developed through the difficult times motivated him to help others on the Autism Spectrum. “Throughout my life, I have relied on movies, music, and comedy to feel less alone,” said Kenny. “It inspired me to create my own medium to show others my experiences, challenges, and dreams for the future.” He developed his own YouTube channel to tell his story.

“Since starting my channel, I have been proud to educate and raise awareness for Autism; I feel like I was created this way to help others,” said Kenny. “A highlight was helping out a friend from church after his child had been diagnosed with Autism. He had never heard about Autism or knew what to expect for his child’s future. Showing him some of my videos helped him understand more about this disability.”

“While I am working on expanding my YouTube channel, my job at Amazon gives me a way to support myself while growing my skills,” said Kenny. “I feel appreciated for what I contribute to our team.”

As his online presence continues to grow, Kenny aims to eventually use his storytelling experience to gain a career in the movie and entertainment industry. “I am inspired by actors like Matt Damon and Mark Wahlberg; it would be a dream for me to meet and thank them for their work. I would also like to make it to their level of influence to reach people internationally and to travel to different countries in South America, Europe, and Asia.”

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“From the start of the training, Kenny was eager to start the day, and he learned quickly,” said PRIDE Job Coach Catalina Hurtado. “His enthusiasm is appreciated by his colleagues and supervisors.”

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Jonathan Hales reached a significant milestone recently when he passed the trial period of his new job at Dos Coyotes Border Café in the Sacramento International Airport. With his enthusiasm and excellent customer service, he continuously helps to brighten up the busy atmosphere for hundreds of travelers.

Despite his recent success, finding a job was not an easy task initially. “I have a learning disability,” explains Jonathan. “Sometimes I need a little extra help and more detailed job descriptions.”

Job Training, Placement, and Resume Writing Help

In January 2018, Jonathan relocated to Sacramento from New Jersey with his brother. After almost six months of searching for a steady job without luck, he decided to reach out for help. Jonathan was referred to PRIDE Industries’ Employment Services, which provides a variety of job training and resources to individuals with disabilities.

PRIDE Industries’ Employment Services connected Jonathan with Job Developer Latasha Funches. Together, they worked on writing Jonathan’s resume to highlight his skills and strengths, practiced interviewing, and searched for jobs.

“Jonathan was wonderful to work with,” says Latasha. “He showed real dedication to getting a job, including always participating in job club, applying to jobs by himself, following up with potential employers. Jonathan is such a self-starter, and we need more people like him!”

In November 2018, both of their hard work and tenacity paid off when Jonathan was hired on the spot by Dos Coyotes. Along with a paycheck, his job also came with benefits that started on the first day. Latasha helped him fill out paperwork and new hire documents, and Jonathan was able to start work immediately.

A Little Job Help Goes a Long Way to a Bright Future

In his position, Jonathan works in the kitchen washing dishes, performs light cleaning, and disposes of trash and recyclables while abiding by the strict airport security rules. He has been thriving in his new environment, and truly enjoys the work.

“My favorite part of my job is working with customers and helping them out. I like making people happy by smiling and asking how their day is, especially in a more stressful place like the airport,” he said.

Jonathan’s colleagues and manager appreciate his great attitude and demeanor. “My manager always tells me to keep up the good work! I am continuing to grow in my role by helping to train new employees. It’s been a very welcoming and inclusive place to work, and I have more confidence in myself.”

“The first day I went out there, the manager was so impressed with him!” says John Edwards, PRIDE’s SMF Airport Job Coach. “He is doing so well and started working without support in the first week. I follow up with him every once and while, and he has thrived in this position.”

With a paycheck comes increased independence; Jonathan has used the earnings from his job to visit his family in New Jersey. “My family is incredibly important to me, and I felt so proud to tell them about my new job!” With some help from his older brother, Jonathan now has a car and no longer relies on ride-sharing options for transportation.

Now that Jonathan has passed his probation period, he will work independently with the help of his Job Coach and Job Developer, if needed. He is considering attending school in the future but would like to continue building skills in his current position. We wish him the best in his career path!

A path to a fulfilling career

PRIDE Industries' employment services will help you with writing your resume or finding a job.

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“My family is incredibly important to me, and I felt so proud to tell them about my new job!”

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As college and vocational programs become even more critical to establishing a career, tuition and fees continue to rise, providing financial obstacles towards obtaining a diploma. These increases can especially hit students with disabilities hard; currently only about a third of students with disabilities who enroll in a four-year college or university graduate. For those who enroll in a community college program, less than half earn a diploma.

To help students with disabilities achieve their career goals by completing higher education, PRIDE Industries is proud to offer scholarships to colleges and universities in areas where we operate, including El Camino College, a two-year public community college near our Los Angeles AFB contract in El Segundo, CA.

The following letters were written by El Camino College’s 2018 recipients of the PRIDE Industries Scholarship for Students for Disabilities:

STACY I.

I appreciate your scholarship. Last year I was diagnosed with cancer, and due to the expensive cost of my treatment, I had a hard time paying my tuition fees. However, I was helped by your scholarship, as well as my family and husband.

My dream is to be a CPA, and I am working towards earning a license. I also would like to work to help others. This scholarship encourages me to pursue my dream, and I won’t give up. I wish I could say thank you in person.

MARTIN OMAR M.

Thank you for awarding me the PRIDE Industries scholarship; it will help me pay for books and save money to use towards transferring to a four-year university to pursue a nursing degree. Every little bit counts and I consider this to be a big help.

This is my first time getting a scholarship. I am motivated to do better, and my stress levels have been reduced, letting me focus better in class. Thank you for lending a helpful hand in my educational journey.

We are proud to help further the academic and career goals of our scholarship recipients, congratulations on your achievements!

Move forward in your career

PRIDE Industries provides internships, job coaching and training programs, work transportation, assistive technology, and so much more for people with disabilities. Find out how we can help you pursue your career goals.

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“Thank you for awarding me the PRIDE Industries scholarship; it will help me pay for books and save money to use towards transferring to a four-year university to pursue a nursing degree.”