Flora P. Garcia was born in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico as the fourth of seven children. Both her parents were born in Guanajuato, Mexico and immigrated to the United States when Flora was only two years old. Her parents were farm workers. Starting at age seven, Flora worked in the fields with her family. Flora commented, "The children would work in the fields after school, Saturdays and all summer long."

Flora graduated from high school at age 19 and got married. Her husband did not want her to continue her education so they both went to work in the fields. After having worked in the fields for 10 years alongside her husband, Flora decided to try to find work in a less strenuous job. She said, "I did not want my two daughters to work in the fields like I did." One day she told her husband she wanted to work in an office.

Flora enrolled at the Center for Employment Training to learn clerical skills. After three months she successfully completed the coursework and received a certificate. She applied for a job as an administrative assistant in a County office and was hired. Soon after Flora started working at the County she began experiencing severe back pain that radiated to her left leg. After going through a series of medical tests, she found out that she had a bulging disk in her back and tendonitis in her elbows.   Flora believes her disabilities resulted from working so many years in the fields. She adds, "I am thankful I was able to leave the work in the fields. I know that with my disabilities I would most likely be a wheelchair user by now."

Flora's disabilities have changed her lifestyle. She had to find ways to do things differently. Assistive technology plays an important role in her daily life. With its help Flora is able to do many of the things she used to without having much pain.

After working with the County for 11 years, she applied for a job at the Central Coast Center for Independent Living (CCCIL) as an Administrative Assistant. She has been at CCCIL for three years. Flora is satisfied with her work at CCCIL because the center assists many people with disabilities. She is happy to be part of an agency that provides services.