Statistics show that employees with disabilities, especially with job support, are dependable workers who are dedicated to their jobs. Case in point, Andrew, an Adelante EmployAbility® client, recently celebrated his 20th anniversary working at La Montañita Co-op. EmployAbility is Adelante’s supported employment program. It’s like a job placement firm that specifically finds jobs for people with disabilities. As needed, the team also provides ongoing job coaching and support to ensure that people with disabilities can have success in competitive employment. Andrew is a great example of the achievements possible when the client, the supporting organization, and the employer work together.
According to Melinda Garcia, the director of the supported employment program, “The staff and management at La Montañita cannot speak highly enough of Andrew and what he brings to their business. Andrew is always eager to get to work, and his attendance record is impeccable for the years that he has been an employee there.”
Andrew: His Work at La Montañita & His Life
Andrew truly enjoys his job at La Montañita Co-op. As a community-owned grocery store, it has been a staple among local grocers since it formed in 1976. The Co-op is focused on the shared benefits of healthy food, sound environmental practices, and a strong local economy. Adelante appreciates that La Montañita understand that people with disabilities are part of the community and belong in the workforce. Of course, that is most strongly demonstrated by the Co-op’s willingness to hire and employ people with developmental and intellectual disabilities (DD/ID). Andrew’s workday is much like that of any grocery store employee. He removes trash, sweeps, straightens shelves, and sacks groceries for the customers.
Outside of work, Andrew loves to be out and about in the community. Adelante team members from EmployAbility or Independent Living are often supporting his interests. His mom is a big support, too. Andrew loves to take drives and going to the movies. He enjoys traveling, overall. Most of all, he loves dogs. Andrew requires support, but that doesn’t stop him from doing his job well or living life to the fullest.
Long-standing Employees
Andrew is one of Adelante’s “decade club” members. The group is made up of people with disabilities who have successfully worked at their jobs with the same employer for 10 years or more. With decades in the field, there are lots of other people working through Adelante EmployAbility who have achieved this milestone.
Across the United States, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) have higher than average unemployment figures. However, those who are working have good job stability. Approximately, 62% of adults with ID employed in a competitive setting have been at their current job for three years or more.
About 6.5 million people in the United States have an intellectual or developmental disability. With only 19.1% of people with ID/DD employed in our country, barriers still exist. Disabled workers saw record gains in employment statistics during 2023. That is employment news to be celebrated. However, employment for people with disabilities is still about half the rate of their counterparts without disabilities.
Employers Play a Key Part in Employment Success for People with Disabilities
“Inclusion is vital for fostering a society that values diversity and promotes equality. Embracing individuals with developmental disabilities like Andrew within the community can create an environment where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive. This collective effort can lead to a more equitable and vibrant society for all.” Those are the wise words of Dominic Barreras, Adelante’s job coach supervisor. They are also a great reminder that each of us can play a part in the success of individuals with ID/DD in the workforce.
The client themselves is a key player. Each person with a disability shares their goals for employment and the skills they would like to learn. They also have to work hard, learn, and follow the rules and schedule of the employer. These are attributes Adelante job coaches help to reinforce.
Every placement isn’t a success. That’s true for the whole population and true for job placements for people with disabilities. For example, Andrew had a few other jobs that didn’t work out before he found his job at La Montañita. It takes a company, managers, and staff who care enough to make sure that people with disabilities will be comfortable in that workplace.
La Montañita is a great example of this kind of disability friendly culture. They support Andrew and appreciate him for his talents. He gets to be himself at work. Their marketing team celebrated disability pride month and provided accessibility tips on how to support customers with disabilities. Additionally, they have employed several Adelante clients at their stores in the Albuquerque area. Adelante’s partnership with La Montañita and other employers in New Mexico helps people with disabilities get and keep jobs in the community.
Family Support & Job Coaches Make a Difference
Andrew’s mother, Mary, is a key part of the effort, too. She offers the family support Andrew needs. He lives with her. She gets him ready for work and there on time. Mary has been Andrew’s advocate and helper his entire life. In turn, Mary says that Andrew having consistent, knowledgeable, and caring job coaches is a major part of his success.
From the start of his job, over 20 years ago, Adelante has helped Andrew to be a success at work. If an Adelante client needs help finding a job, writing a resume, and attending interviews, we have job developers. And if they need further support in the work environment, Adelante job coaches can attend training with them and help them understand. Job coaches also keep the lines of communication open between the client and the employer. Together, all these people create environments where people can be successfully employed.
You can make a difference for people with disabilities in the workplace, too!
For over 40 years Adelante has helped people with disabilities find and keep good jobs in the community. Are you a person with a disability looking for work? Learn more about the ways Adelante may be able to help you find or keep a job. If you’re a business owner or hiring manager who needs dedicated employees, we can help you find employees with disabilities. Even as a member of the public, you can play a part in inclusive hiring. Be patient with anyone who is being trained or doing a job to the best of their ability. Remember that you had to learn your job before you were successful, too. Each of us can play a role in creating workplaces that welcome people with disabilities.
Congratulations, Andrew! You are an inspiration to Adelante and other people with disabilities who are getting into the workforce.