Thanks to the Community Association for Rehabilitation, Inc., (CAR) many disabled individuals in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties in California are participating in their communities and gaining employment.

Jesse Perez landed his job with the help of CAR. Perez stated, "I'm a courtesy clerk at Safeway. I like my job. The people are nice. I like the money, experience, and the variety of work. My family is proud of me. Of course, I'm proud of myself. I am happy because I serve the community. And that's what work is about isn't it?"

Working for People with Disabilities
Since 1969, CAR has been a beacon of light for people with disabilities in San Mateo County and neighboring areas. Organized by a group of hard-working parent volunteers, CAR was established to help people with disabilities live as productively and independently as possible. In its 35 years of operation, CAR has grown to encompass eight programs that serve people with disabilities of all ages. CAR staff serves 2,500 clients of diverse cultural and ethnic makeup, including Latinos.

CAR's multi-faceted services are designed to support individuals and their families. The Infant Development Program assists children from 3 months-3 years in occupational speech and physical therapy. The Milestones Preschool at CAR is unique in that it integrates 100 students with and without disabilities in an educational setting. The Creative Recreation Program serves people ages 2 to 22 in developing social skills by attending concerts, visiting museums and participating in other activities. In the Learning Experiences for Adults with Real Needs (LEARN) project, disabled adults receive instruction in life skills.

Sylvia Flores appreciates assistance she's received to help her achieve her goals. "When I came here [LEARN Program], we set up money management, cooking, computer and exercise goals. I try to achieve all my goals and have so far."

Adults also work on a Heritage Gardening project with volunteer horticulturalists who assist them growing fruits and vegetables. They donate the food to shelters, allowing the gardeners to give back to the community. Through the Independent Living Services disabled adults learn life skills such as personal banking, shopping and how to do laundry. In the Betty-Wright Swim Center, disabled and non-disabled people of all ages learn to swim and do their physical therapy in a heated pool. And when families with disabled individuals seek rest from their roles as care-providers, the RESPITE Program supports them with highly-trained companions who travel to homes and assist with the total care of the family member.

At Work
CAR's mission, "to support developmentally disabled individuals and their families to live as independently as possible," is exemplified in all of their programs. However, the Employment Services Program in particular helps individuals transition to economic self-sufficiency. By participating in the workforce they are contributing to society and live more independently.

According to Soheila Mozayan, Employment Program Manager, "Clients are eligible to participate in CAR's employment program after they complete their education, which for many is at about 20 years old." Clients receive services for as long as they are able to work; some work until the age of 69 because they want to remain connected to the community. CAR staff helps individuals get jobs at places where they can receive healthcare benefits, even in part-time positions. Of the more than 2,500 clients that CAR serves per year, 150 receive services from the Employment Services Program. Current Employment Services Program participants do jobs including working in local restaurants; assisting with food preparation in public schools and at CAR; and stocking food products in local grocery stores.

Learning to Work
For CAR's clients, learning to work is part of the program. When a client arrives at CAR, the staff conducts an extensive interview with the client and inquires about their personal interests and skills. Before going to a potential employer, the clients are instructed on appropriate workplace behavior. When they get a job, a CAR coach accompanies them for as much as 100 percent of the time, if necessary. The coach assists the client in building communication systems in the workplace with other personnel. Many times the social aspect of a workplace is as important as becoming proficient in their work. A few months into their employment, coaches adjust the level of accompaniment as the client learns to perform work independently.

At CAR, individuals who get jobs receive extensive support outside the workplace, including access to an Independent Living Skills Program, assisting clients to use public transportation to get to and from work. In addition, people are encouraged to participate in monthly social events to network.

Through CAR's efforts, individuals with developmental disabilities have greater opportunities to participate in their communities. It's a reminder that by collaborating with cooperative community business, community volunteers, and advocates we can work toward a more integrated society.

printer friendly format