People with Disabilities

Alberto Hernandez has everything going for him, he is smart, motivated, a hard worker with an upbeat attitude and a remarkably talented artist. After moving to the U.S. when he was nine, Alberto completed high school and earned his bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from the University of Texas at El Paso. His college degree and incredible talent were not enough to overcome the career obstacles caused by his disability – Alberto was born deaf.

Most people do not know that being deaf makes writing difficult. English is a listening-based language that is constructed quite differently than visually based American Sign Language (ASL). People who cannot hear English – no matter how intelligent they are – have a hard time passing written tests without assistance. All graduate schools and professional certifications require applicants to pass complex written tests.

Unable to find a job that matched his skills and education, Alberto was referred to PRIDE Industries in El Paso, TX. PRIDE Ascend enables people with disabilities to gain technical skills and attain industry-based certifications to help meet the growing demand for skilled labor.

True to his nature, Alberto excelled, this time earning a National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certificate in carpentry. After graduation, Alberto applied to a job at PRIDE’s Fort Bliss contract in Texas where PRIDE provides base-wide facilities support to the Army installation.

Alberto was hired as a maintenance trades helper in the carpentry shop at Fort Bliss. This new position allows Alberto to use his new certification while applying his creative talents in a job he truly enjoys. “Working at PRIDE has helped me mentally and physically,” says Alberto. “I am happy to have something positive to focus on.” Recently, Alberto earned a promotion to General Maintenance Worker.

Working at PRIDE has improved his confidence, self-esteem and has helped Alberto to be more self-sufficient. Most importantly, he is optimistic about the future. “I am excited about the experience I am gaining and the opportunity for advancement,” says Alberto. At PRIDE, he receives job skills development and accommodations, along with the support of his fellow PRIDE colleagues. “I look forward to the opportunity to showcase my skills and I feel motivated to come to work every day.”

Outside of work, Alberto is a talented artist with more than 25 years of experience.

Individuals like Alberto remind us that we all have the ability to take control of our destiny despite the challenges we may face. “Never limit yourself to the expectations of others, always chase your own dreams,” says Alberto.

“Working at PRIDE has helped me mentally and physically. I am happy to have something positive to focus on.”

It takes more than a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to keep someone like Sam Azevedo down. When Sam was referred to PRIDE Industries’ employment program for people with autism in Modesto, CA, it was clear that he was determined to get a job. He worked with his job coach and, instead of applying for one job every day as another motivated job seeker might do, Sam applied for five jobs a day and as many as 40 in a week.

Job Coaching Programs for People with Autism

Highly skilled, upbeat, and determined, Sam put every ounce of effort into getting a job. And the search yielded many interviews for Sam. However, like many people on the autism spectrum, he has a hard time with social cues and interactions. which made interviewing difficult. It took several months of diligent searching and interviewing—as well as training and coaching from PRIDE—before he landed a position as a courtesy clerk at Grocery Outlet.

During Sam’s journey to employment, PRIDE Industries’ employment program provided amazing help.

The job has turned out to be worth the effort and wait. Grocery Outlet is a family-owned store that carries that sense of family to its employees and customers. After almost a year on the job, Sam still loves his work.

“It really means a lot to have a job because I am on a regular schedule and making money with consistent hours,” says Sam.

The store’s loyal following of regular customers all know Sam by name, and many make a point of saying “hello” when they come into the shop. Owners Roger and Heidi Custer also have high praise for Sam and his work ethic. “Sam is delightful and an important part of our family,” says Roger. “And he’s an asset to our staff.”

How we can help

Wherever you are in your career journey, PRIDE Industries’ employment program for people with autism can help you land that first job or move ahead in your industry.

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Kindness and a positive attitude can go a long way to brighten up a work environment. Anthony Williams, a custodian at PRIDE Industries’ DLI (Defense Languages Institute) contract in Monterey, Ca., consistently applies this attitude every day to his job. So much so that he has received several comments from customers, including most recently:

“I would like to voice my appreciation for a job well done by your organization.

It is always a pleasure to write a letter about an exceptional employee. Please extend my sincere gratitude to Anthony Smith. He is very punctual, professional and polite. His work is always excellent and my working space always looks great. I just wanted to make sure you know how much he is valued and appreciated. He is very courteous and is an asset to your organization. Mr. Smith keeps a very positive attitude. He is always very determined to do a stellar job when he comes to our office, and his attitude brightens up our office.

Thank you, Lindsey N.”

Like many other individuals with a disability, Anthony needed an opportunity to showcase his abilities. Anthony has dyslexia, a learning disability that affects reading, writing, spelling and even speaking. Millions of Americans have dyslexia, but it is still often misunderstood. For those who have it, words often look foreign, creating challenges for routine tasks. “It has always taken me a lot longer to read and write,” says Anthony. “Filling out job applications and going through interview process always proved to be intimidating tasks.”

Before coming to PRIDE, Anthony worked in the hospitality industry. After being laid off, his wife recommended that apply for a position at PRIDE. In 2010 he was hired. Six years at PRIDE has built Anthony’s confidence, and he has thrived. “PRIDE’s mission has truly helped me feel comfortable in my job,” says Anthony. “My coworkers all support each other. My supervisor Rita has been wonderful to work with, she has been exceptionally supportive and understanding.”

The Defense Language Institute (DLI) is a United States Department of Defense (DoD) educational and research institution consisting of two separate entities which provide linguistic and cultural instruction to the Department of Defense and international guests. In his position, Anthony supports both our military and diplomatic allies. “The military does so much for us, and I am proud to contribute to their well-being,” says Anthony. “I love working with people from all around the world, all walks of life.”

“I take a lot of pride in my job, and it has helped me grow as a person,” says Anthony.

His passion is his family – he aims to purchase a home and send his children to college. “I love coming in every day and look forward to my future with this company.”

Thank you Anthony for all of your hard work and dedication!

“I take a lot of pride in my job, and it has helped me grow as a person. I love coming in every day and look forward to my future with this company.”

When Matthew Parker graduated high school he did as many grads do, and dreamed of what his future career path would look like. He had goals and ambitions; knowing that eventually he wanted to work with animals in the community. However, he felt like he was below sea level, staring up at very high mountains between him and his dream.

An intimidated, young Matthew with Asperger Syndrome—now known as Autism Spectrum Disorder—and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) started volunteering, hoping that it would turn into employment. “My very first working job was over at Atria. They had me clean dishes, but they decided not to hire me because I was having a hard time multi-tasking, communicating and adapting to changes,” remembered Matthew, “I really struggled quite a bit when I was younger.”

Matthew remained determined to succeed as he found employment at PRIDE Industries. In a specialized environment for individuals with disabilities, Matthew found supports that he never had before. He practiced basic soft skills necessary for employment, such as good hygiene. “They designed a worksheet for me with visual hints so I could get better about having cleaner hands and less germs,” said Matthew.

A case manager at PRIDE saw immense potential within Matthew. “I quickly realized that Matthew was so capable,” said Dawn Horwath. “We could give him any task and he could do it.”

PRIDE tapped into many resources throughout the years to prove to the community what a capable employee he is. He participated in multiple PRIDE operated External Situational Assessments (ESA)—trial community jobs to assess workers’ capabilities. In 2005 he completed Personal Vocational and Social Adjustment (PVSA) services—person-centered training to overcome barriers including communication, assertiveness, anger management, etc. “It was amazing to see such incredible growth and determination in Matthew with each step,” said Dawn, “It has been a long journey, but we never gave up on him.”

As someone who previously needed repeated patterns and routine, he was finally adapting to a variety of job responsibilities and conquering barriers one by one. “I used to have a hard time when things changed all of a sudden,” Matthew reminisced, “but now I have learned how to handle it and I am much more flexible.”

A speech and language counselor, Dyann Castro-Wehr, partnered with PRIDE to help Matthew overcome communication barriers. “Dyann has been great at helping me,” said Matthew, “sometimes I would tell her about a situation and she could figure out a little trick to help me overcome it.” Dyann created an anger meter for Matthew to become aware of his feelings and express himself in the best way possible.

Each day of Matthew’s journey at PRIDE was a stepping stone to his employment in the community. Community employment brought new successes and new disappointments, but now he’s applying his communication and problem solving skills—something that has been beneficial in many facets of his life, especially as he adjusts to newly married life.

Matthew has been successfully working in the kitchen at Cascades of Grass Valley, a retirement community, for a year and a half. PRIDE Employment Services still work with him to ensure his success continues. “It makes me feel so relieved,” Matthew said about his PRIDE job coach meetings, “because I have a much better support system than I did when I first started out.” Together Matthew and his job coach have weekly discussions to work out any difficulties he might have at work.

As Matthew reflected back on how far he’s come, he proudly said, “I feel pretty good about myself. I have a great life going for me right now, but I definitely have a goal in mind so I’m going to keep working hard to get there.”

Congratulations Matthew on conquering one more stepping stone. You’re on your way to your dream job!

By guest blogger, Nicole Richards, rehab/marketing intern at PRIDE Industries Headquarters.

Need employment placement support?

Contact our I AM ABLE Helpline to discuss your options.

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“I feel pretty good about myself. I have a great life going for me right now, but I definitely have a goal in mind so I’m going to keep working hard to get there.”

Jeanine McDonald still treasures her memories of wandering the aisles of the local Bel-Air grocery store when she was a young girl with her mother. The familiar environment, trusted quality and exceptional customer service motivated her to pursue a job as a Bel-Air courtesy clerk.

Jeanine’s epilepsy, causing spontaneous seizures, makes it difficult for her to find and keep a job. In the year 2000, Jeanine was referred to PRIDE Industries and began working with our Employment Services program to help her achieve her employment of choice.

With the help of job developer, Caryl Balko, Jeanine identified skills and abilities valued by an employer’s such as Bel-Air. “The guidance from Caryl was a huge success for me” said Jeanine, “I do not think I would’ve gotten the job without her.”

PRIDE job developers work one-on-one with individuals like Jeanine to match their abilities and interests to the requirements and needs of local employers. Caryl provided Jeanine with the training necessary to help ace her interview and land her dream job at Bel-Air.

For several years, Jeanine loved wearing her Bel-Air nametag and bagging groceries.

“I absolutely loved that job,” said Jeanine. “The people were so great to me there and I loved going to work.” Collecting a weekly paycheck provided her with a newfound sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Bel-Air quickly realized the tremendous value that their new employee had to offer. Mystery shoppers frequently visit businesses posing as customers to evaluate the service they receive. Jeanine was mystery shopped numerous times and always received remarkable evaluation reports, for which her store was thrilled to give her extra recognition.

Unfortunately, within recent years Jeanine’s seizures have become more severe and more frequent. They began to interfere with her work responsibilities and she no longer felt that she could meet work requirements. Although Bel-Air was willing to work with her unique circumstances, Jeanine was not comfortable providing unreliable work, so she made the difficult decision to leave her dream job.

Right away, she knew where she wanted to go. She wanted to be in a comfortable, safe environment with close friends. She also needed an employer who would understand and make accommodations for her seizures. “At PRIDE I knew exactly what to expect and I wanted to be a part of it. I feel like family here,” said Jeanine. She has been working here at PRIDE for the past year where she still enjoys a sense of purpose and accomplishment at the end of each day without jeopardizing her safety.

Her supervisors are trained and accustomed to working with individuals with disabilities like Jeanine’s. After a seizure, Jeanine would usually be sent home for the day in community employment. However, at PRIDE she is still given the option to continue working with accommodations and modified duties, if she chooses to. This gives her the security to earn a full paycheck even as her condition progresses.

Jeanine is hopeful about her path for the future. In time, her seizures might become controllable again, and she would be welcomed back to her job at Bel-Air. However, PRIDE is honored to provide her with a meaningful alternative.

We are so proud of Jeanine for her hard work both in the community and here at PRIDE!

By guest blogger, Nicole Richards, rehab/marketing intern at PRIDE Industries Headquarters.

Need employment placement support?

Contact our I AM ABLE Helpline to discuss your options.

“At PRIDE I knew exactly what to expect and I wanted to be a part of it. I feel like family here.”

Finding a new career after leaving the workforce due to illness or disability can often be a daunting task, which is why PRIDE Industries offers employment help to individuals who are facing obstacles in their job pursuits.

Joey Guillot is a carpenter at PRIDE Industries’ contract at Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk) in Louisiana. After a long period of unemployment, Joey found a new place and career at PRIDE. To get to this point, he worked with much determination to overcome numerous barriers. His story is an inspiration.

Employment Services to Help Overcome Obstacles

As a result of an unaddressed learning disability, Joey became discouraged as a young student and dropped out of high school during his freshman year. However, he was able to find work in the community and build a self-sufficient life.

Years later, Joey developed peripheral neuropathy, a nerve condition that causes weakness, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet and other parts of the body. His condition worsened to the point of near-paralysis, and, he was forced to leave the workforce in 2001. After the unexpected death of his wife of 25 years, Joey also began to struggle with depression and alcohol abuse.

As his neuropathy began to improve, Joey decided to re-enter the workforce and search for a new career. Determined to reach his goal, he applied for employment services with Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) in April 2014.

Joey worked closely with his LRS counselors to manage his depression and maintain sobriety. Even so, searching for a new career was not an easy task; Joey struggled to get an interview and was unable to complete a GED program or learn another trade. Fortunately, in 2014 LRS referred Joey to a job training program at PRIDE Industries’ contract at Ft. Polk.

Job Training & Placement Services for People with Disabilities

PRIDE ended up being the perfect opportunity for Joey; after job placement and four weeks of on-the-job training, he was hired as a general maintenance worker in the carpentry shop.

“PRIDE Industries has been a blessing to this region because they give people with disabilities an opportunity to find meaningful employment,” says LRS Counselor Don Green. “There are few employers in Beauregard and Vernon Parish (a rural area) that provide opportunities for earning good wages as well as accommodations for employees with disabilities.”

To help Joey succeed in his job, PRIDE’s rehabilitation staff provides counseling and job coaching. They have also worked with him on improving his literacy skills, and Joey is currently earning his GED.

“Joey is a very hard and determined worker who does not allow his disability to hold him back from accomplishing anything he wants. He is capable of completing any task that is set in front of him,” says Rehabilitation Counselor Sonja Matthews. Joey’s hard work and perseverance impressed his supervisors; when a carpenter position became available, he applied and was hired on October 3, 2015. Joey has continued to thrive in his new role and is currently aiming to become a carpenter lead.

With support, Joey was able to turn his life around. Steady employment, and along with a supportive network which included his father, church community, and his LRS counselor, Joey has managed his depression and successfully maintained sobriety. He also recently married Mrs. Angela Pratt in October 2015 and is greatly satisfied with his new position and positive outlook on life.

PRIDE Industries offers job placement services and employment help to people with disabilities, foster youth, veterans, and others who are working to overcome barriers to a fulfilling career.

Need employment placement support?

Contact our I AM ABLE Helpline to discuss your options.

“Joey is a very hard and determined worker who does not allow his disability to hold him back from accomplishing anything he wants.”