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People with Disabilities

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is an annual campaign that takes place in October. NDEAM aims to promote workplace inclusion by increasing awareness about the challenges and contributions of workers with disabilities. 2018’s theme is “America’s Workforce: Empowering All.”

 

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we invite your business to consider partnering with PRIDE Industries. We will pair you with dedicated, qualified employees who enjoy being productive and making a contribution to their community while excelling in their position.

Employment Programs to Promote Inclusion at Work

People with disabilities often face significant barriers to employment. These barriers result in lower rates of participation in the labor force and higher unemployment rates compared to non-disabled workers. Yet when they are able to find fulfilling work, they perform well and tend to have a high retention rate.

 

Employment is essential to an individual’s sense of purpose, dignity, inclusion and economic growth, ultimately resulting in a happier life. With a history spanning over 50 years, PRIDE Industries is one of the largest employers of people with disabilities nationwide. We focus on abilities rather than disabilities, and our inclusive programs and services help individuals overcome obstacles to employment. We also provide opportunities at all skill levels to help candidates from all walks of life  achieve their definition of success and self-sufficiency.

 

By partnering with PRIDE Industries, your business can leverage our person-centered services including assessments, job skills development, training, placement, transportation, and ongoing support to ensure long-term employment success and inclusion at work. PRIDE places people in its business lines and provides support to individuals in community-based opportunities.

Workplace inclusion benefits all

When inclusion at work becomes a goal for your business, everyone wins. Learn more about the many ways you can work with PRIDE Industries to build an inclusive workplace, expand your staff, and create jobs for people with disabilities.
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Year after year wildfires are becoming more frequent and more extensive, especially in the West Coast. August and September were particularly busy months for PRIDE Industries Transit department due to their involvement in the community.

 

On average, PRIDE Transit provides more than 1,200 daily shuttle rides to individuals with disabilities – working at PRIDE Industries or in the community. Often, for people with disabilities, access to transportation is a barrier to employment. Transportation provides an essential lifeline for people with disabilities to connect with employment opportunities, skills development, vocational related services, and the community.

 

PRIDE Industries Transit has a fleet of 60 vehicles covering 52 routes each morning and afternoon. Three buses are based and operate in Yuba and Sutter Counties, 20 are based in Auburn that operate in the foothills of both Nevada and Placer Counties, the remainder are based in Roseville at PRIDE headquarters and operate in Placer and Sacramento Counties.

PRIDE Transit vehicles are small enough to maneuver in rural areas and are equipped with mobility lifts.

Accessible vehicles are not only essential for providing transportation for people with a wide range of disabilities but also senior citizens and those with mobility restrictions. As it was the case in early September when a wildfire threatened the safety of an elderly community in the Foresthill area in Placer County, CA. “A call came into transit dispatch from the Placer County Public Health Department, requesting buses for the possible evacuation of a senior citizen mobile home park in the area,” says Jeff Murray, PRIDE’s Transportation Manager. “PRIDE Industries Transit responded by dispatching seven drivers and vehicles to the command center staging area.”

 

PRIDE Transit vehicles are small enough to maneuver in rural areas and are equipped with mobility lifts. The vehicles allow for ease of loading and transporting individuals requiring mobility aid. During this evacuation effort, four of the seven shuttles along with their driver spent the night at the staging area ready for immediate emergency evacuation scenario. Luckily, no one had to be evacuated, and all the residents of the senior living community were safe.

 

Later the team received a heartfelt note from the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, “You don’t know what a relief it is having you here. We didn’t know how we were going to get all those people out of there until you showed up.”

 

PRIDE’s Transit team is committed to providing outstanding service to the community and participates in the Placer County Mass Evacuation training. In recent years, the team has assisted in other evacuation efforts along with participating in community events such as the 1st Annual Association of the US Army (AUSA) Veterans Business Forum.

Media Contact
Kat Maudru
(916) 753-4339

media@prideindustries.com

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.

Did You Know?

PRIDE’s Transit team participates in the Placer County Mass Evacuation training.

Since its earliest days, Amazon has been committed to creating an inclusive workplace. With more than 500,000 employees globally, Amazon strives to foster a sense of community among employees of various backgrounds to foster engagement and innovation.

 

Like all other diversity groups, Amazon recognizes that people with disabilities add value to the workforce. The company is committed to increasing diversity by being inclusive in its recruitment efforts. Amazon employs people with disabilities across its entire business, from roles focused on the accessibility features of products to positions not related to accessibility, including engineering, design, product management, operations, and senior management roles.

Partnering with PRIDE to Build an Inclusive Workplace

Last summer, PRIDE Industries partnered with Amazon as an Alternative Workforce Supplier. PRIDE Industries is one of seven nonprofit agencies (NPA’s) chosen to recruit, assess, interview, train, and provide onsite support for people with disabilities employed by Amazon, thus helping Amazon continue to succeed as an inclusive workplace.

 

PRIDE will be placing people with disabilities at Amazon Prime Now and sortation facilities across California. Initially PRIDE provided placement services in Southern California, then quickly expanded into San Diego, the Bay Area and Sacramento.

 

By partnering with PRIDE Industries, Amazon can leverage its person-centered services. These include assessments, job skills development, training, placement, and ongoing support to ensure long-term employment success.

AWSP: A Win for Both Amazon and Employees

PRIDE has been part of the Amazon Alternative Workforce Supplier Program (AWSP) for nearly a year. The goal is to place and support people with disabilities into employment. Early results have proven positive for those with disabilities and for Amazon. According to Amazon, AWSP associates at participating Amazon sites have shown better quality and average productivity when compared to what are often seen as more traditional workforce programs. 

 

By not only accepting nontraditional talent, but actively seeking it out, the AWSP has built new job opportunities for people who have often had a hard time gaining full-time or part-time employment. An inclusive workplace benefits everyone. 

Need employment placement support?

Contact our I AM ABLE Helpline to discuss your options.
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Things are looking up for Justin Igama; he is earning his kinesiology degree while working as an associate at Amazon, Inc to achieve his dream of becoming a physical therapist. 

 

“Navigating my mobility issues inspired this career path, along with the desire to help others. I can relate to patients since I have experienced many challenges and breakthroughs myself.”

 

Justin has cerebral palsy (CP), a neurological disorder that affects muscle coordination and mobility. Individuals with cerebral palsy experience symptoms differently, including paralysis, inability to walk, and communication limitations. According to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, one in three people affected cannot walk, and one in five cannot talk.

 

“I was three years old when I was diagnosed with CP,” said Justin. “It feels like my brain doesn’t communicate well with my muscles. My disability made me insecure and doubt my abilities; however, it made me develop resilience and determination. My involvement in sports such as wrestling and boxing helped me to realize that I can achieve anything I set my mind to.”

 

In 2016, while starting college, Justin attempted to find work to support himself. After several months of struggling to find a position, he was referred to PRIDE Industries’ Inclusive Talent Solutions in Sacramento, CA. With help from Job Coach John Edwards, he practiced interviewing and fine-tuned his resume.

 

“I learned that a positive first impression is key to engaging employers,” says Justin. “I made an effort to speak properly and to dress well. However, after multiple interviews, I noticed that my disability and use of a cane might have convinced many that I could not do a job involving lifting and walking. It was very frustrating.”

 

In less than a year, PRIDE placed Justin into an associate trainee position at Amazon’s Sacramento Fulfillment Center. He was responsible for sorting items to be delivered to PRIME Now customers. “There were many challenges at first, including learning a variety of new instructions and rules,” said Justin. “I had to work hard to prove myself.”

 

Applying skills that he learned from his PRIDE training, Justin reached out to his supervisor to identify areas to improve. He took the advice given and continued to receive consistent positive ratings. His Job Coach John Edwards was always there, providing Justin with encouragement and advice.

 

As Justin’s skills improved and he gained confidence, management took notice; Amazon offered him a permanent position in November 2017.

 

“It felt great to prove that I am capable of working in competitive employment with people without disabilities,” said Justin. “They treat me as an important part of the team. With this job, I have earned independence and can support myself financially while I complete my studies.”

 

“I hope that my story helps others with cerebral palsy to realize that they can achieve successful employment. There will be challenges along the way, but with hard work, perseverance, and a support team, they can accomplish their dreams.”

Need employment placement support?

Contact our I AM ABLE Helpline to discuss your options.
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Did You Know?

According to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, one in three people affected cannot walk, and one in five cannot talk

“I hope that my story helps others with cerebral palsy to realize that they can achieve successful employment.”

With drive and determination, John Almeda works to accomplish his goals; he is thriving at a job that he enjoys and is training towards his dream of competing in the Boston Marathon. John has completed half marathons, 20-mile races and most recently the 2017 California International Marathon (CIM). Despite an injury, he persevered and finished in 4 hours and 27 minutes!


These achievements have not come without challenges; John is on the Autism Spectrum (ASD) and is non-verbal. Around 30 percent of people diagnosed with ASD are considered “non-verbal” according to a study by Boston University; however, some non-verbal individuals can communicate with written or typed language. Furthermore, young adults with autism are less likely to be employed or to be enrolled in higher education than other young adults without autism.

 

Fortunately, after finishing his high school transition program in 2017, John was referred to PRIDE Industries’ Autism Employment Program. The program trains and places individuals with Autism in the Sacramento, CA region senior care services jobs at Eskaton (a nonprofit community-based senior care organization). Employees serve as companions and aides to residents of long-term care facilities and assist the nursing, dining hall and maintenance staff while receiving support from PRIDE Job Coaches. This is made possible through a collaboration between the California Conservation Corps and the PRIDE Industries Foundation.


John started his job at Eskaton in August 2017. To help him learn job tasks and overcome communication barriers, John was provided training and job support by his mother, Vanessa Bieker and a PRIDE Job Coach, Sandra Ogawa. Soon, he was working independently with little support, serving his customers with his enthusiasm and friendly smile. John is also able to independently take ridesharing services to work.


“John takes great pride in his work and has been given additional responsibilities as his skills have progressed,” says Rehabilitation Services Manager Michelle Anderson.


“With the money that he earns from his job, John is starting to support himself, including purchasing all the specialized clothing and shoes needed for running,” says Vanessa Bieker. “He enjoys his independence and the ability to socialize with his friends at work and is grateful for the opportunity.” We look forward to seeing John grow in his career and eventually reaching his Boston dream. Congratulations!


To learn more about John and his passion for running, watch this video.

“John takes great pride in his work and has been given additional responsibilities as his skills have progressed.”

Julio Hinojosa is a young adult with a borderline intellectual disability that has earned a successful career with PRIDE Industries. Approximately 6.5 million people in the United States have an intellectual disability, which occurs when a person experiences limitation in cognitive functioning and problem-solving. These individuals have a harder time finding employment options and participate in the labor force at about half the rate of typically developing adults. However, given the right environment and support, people with intellectual disabilities can fulfill needed career positions and make excellent employees.

 

Julio graduated from a high school transition program that assisted students with disabilities to help find employment and learn independent life skills. As part of the program, he completed vocational training in electrical work, expressing interest in working in a technical field. With this preference, Julio was referred by the Department of Rehabilitative Services in 2011 to PRIDE Industries’ Ft. Bliss, TX facilities and maintenance contract – starting his career working as a Grounds Maintenance Laborer in the Roads & Grounds department.

 

Adjusting to a new trade was not always easy. Due to his disability, Julio struggled with problem-solving on the job and had difficulty using the correct writing to explain the work he performed on service orders. With help from his supervisor, coworkers and job coach, he learned how to write down his orders with accuracy and worked on maintaining concentration to finish assigned tasks on time.

 

“Julio is very shy,” says Rehabilitation Manager Shannon Bloxham. “He required a lot of guidance, but has learned by observation and hands-on training – improving his confidence and skills.”

 

Within this supportive environment, Julio continued to advance in his career. He was promoted to Maintenance Trades Helper in the Electrical department in 2014 and later to General Maintenance Worker in 2016. Furthering his expertise, he entered the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Apprenticeship program and is now a year shy of finishing the four-year program. With guidance and mentorship from his coworkers, Julio passed his State Journeyman Electrician’s exam in 2017 and was promoted to Electrician.

 

Working for PRIDE not only brought career success but also carried over in Julio’s personal life. He recently got married and purchased his first home. “I enjoy the hands-on-work of electrical work and perfecting my craft while working in the welcoming environment at PRIDE,” says Julio. “Julio is a very hard-working employee and has shown dedication and ambition to get to where he is today,” says Shannon Bloxham.

Need employment placement support?

Contact our I AM ABLE Helpline to discuss your options.
Contact us

“Working at PRIDE has helped me accomplish my goals and brought me professional success.”

Did You Know?

Approximately 6.5 million people in the United States have an intellectual disability.