When she was born, Ana Paola did not breathe for a short time. The lack of oxygen resulted in cerebral palsy. It slightly affects her speech and learning capabilities. Ana Paola says it is sometimes hard for her to retain information and to concentrate when memorizing.

With help and support from her family and teachers, Ana Paola got her high school diploma. She wanted to continue her studies and earn a bachelor degree, but could not pass the college entrance exam. Ana Paola tried and failed twice to pass the exam that she was required to take to get accepted to colleges where she could receive specialized educational support.

Paola shifted her short-term goal and decided to get a job. She went to Access Living Center for Independent Living in Chicago. Ana Paola knew of Access Living because she had participated in several events for disabled Latinos at the Center organized through Proyecto Visión. The staff at Access Living helped connect Ana Paola to the Illinois Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, where she received job training and assistance landing a job. Ana Paola now works as a products packer at a factory. In her free time she studies, preparing to retake the college entrance exam.

At first, Ana Paola’s mom took her to work every day. The staff at Access Living helped Ana Paola enroll in door-to-door accessible transportation services, but she was scared to utilize the service by herself. Over time, her job helped her feel more independent and increased her self-confidence, and she was soon able to use the accessible transportation to get to and from work on her own.