Have you ever thought of becoming
employed in a job that you love?
Have you tried working before and
it just didn't pan out? If so, you may be
interested to know that new regulations
have passed to help get you into the
workforce. Section 511 of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act, known as
WIOA, was created to raise
expectations for employment of youth and
adults with disabilities. With an
emphasis on moving away from
segregated settings and into the
community, the purpose of Section 511 is
to encourage even more people to enter
the workforce. Section 511 also limits
the use of sub-minimum wage to promote
fair pay for all. By working with state
agencies, employers and employment
providers, the goal is to create
rewarding integrated employment
opportunities at wages with the same
benefits that compete with other
employees. Competitive Integrated
Employment is the first and preferred
outcome for working-age youth and adults
with disabilities.
This includes individuals with complex
and significant disabilities for whom job
placement in the past has been limited
or unavailable. In this video, we will
explore stories of four individuals who
have competitive integrated jobs in our
state.
Many of these individuals were
previously in segregated settings, or had
been told they would not be able to be
independent.
Hopefully their stories will encourage
you to explore opportunities for
community-based employment and other
inclusive activities.
Join us as we travel the state to meet
real Kentuckians, with real jobs who are
contributing to the workforce in a
meaningful way.
First we will meet Calvin Lee who has
been employed at Paducah Beer Werks in
Western Kentucky for over a year. Next, Ellie
Conkling of Louisville will show you how
she has helped the YMCA to solve an
unmet need, while increasing her own
independence and self esteem. Then we
will go to Benton, and meet Jake Couch to
see how his love of cars landed him a
job with Leon Riley Ford for over four
years. And finally, Jonathan Tompkins
will encourage you with the rapid
success he has made
at the Sirloin Stockade restaurant in
Murray. Calvin has been working at
Paducah Beer Werks since its opening over
a year ago.
Previously, Calvin had been in a
sheltered workshop, where people with
disabilities are employed separately
from others and paid sub-minimum wage
rates. Calvin's job duties now include
food preparation, dish-washing, and helping
maintain cleanliness outside the
restaurant. The general manager and owner
agree that Calvin is an outstanding
employee at Paducah Beer Werks because
he does his job well and never
complains. He is willing to work even on
days when he is scheduled to be off. A
family member helps him get to and from
work and he is very dependable. First of
all, Calvin has a great personality,
he's a great person to be around and
brings out the best in other people. Whenever
he is at work or in any setting
whatsoever. As far as supports go, we
check on him once every three months and
unless something else does come up
throughout that we need to bring
attention to. Calvin enjoys his job and
being able to work with coworkers to get
the job done.
He also enjoys engaging with customers
and likes the independence of making his
own money. Despite challenges that have
often dictated her life,
Ellie Conkling handles data entry at the
YMCA in Louisville, Kentucky with
confidence. When I first started the whole
back of this office was filled with
papers. I enter tag numbers - we're trying to go
paperless. One of my big strengths is
organization. If I wasn't here,
other than the volunteer, the computer work
just wouldn't get done. Director Paul McKim
and other co-workers at the Y recognize
Ellie's skills, and they rely on her to
do her job with accuracy on a regular
basis. Because of this, she has gained
confidence and has become more
independent. The office of vocational
rehabilitation has even provided Ellie with
a power chair so that she can engage
regularly with staff, and even board a
TARC bus with ease. What do you like
about having a job? It makes me feel
valued It makes me feel like I can be
useful and not just be somebody in a
chair. I can actually get stuff done. As a
benefit of employment,
Ellie has received a free membership at
the YMCA. She enjoys working out up to
three times a week with coworkers and
other members of the Y. It has helped
to increase her upper body strength,
self-esteem, and confidence. In addition
to membership, the YMCA also offers
employees access to a personal wellness
coach, which Ellie has used to help focus
on physical activity, nutrition, and
social health. It's really neat to see
the progress.
Not only do I love my job, the
people are really - the members are
really - they're very helpful.
Jake is well-known in the community for
his love of cars. He first volunteered at
the car dealership Leon Riley Ford while
in high school. He was then hired to
empty the trash, which was a big job
since there are 15 areas to attend to. A
checklist helped him to remember all of
the areas he needed to go to. One of
his favorite part of the job was
visiting with the other employees
throughout his route. Since he first
started over four years ago,
Jake has been given additional
responsibilities, like watering the
plants, starting the cars in the winter,
and washing the cars when it is warm.
Jake's checklist has grown with his
duties to help keep them on task. On his
break,
Jake spends time on the internet adding
to his miniature NASCAR collection with
some of the money he makes. He has purchased items
that he probably wouldn't have been able to
buy - had not - Jake comes from a very supportive family who
really helps him reach his goals in every
way possible. but with Jake, you can see the pleasure and
the independence in buying and purchasing items for himself
Which one are you going to buy with this check? Uhm, "The Wall".
The Wall - that's his car he's gonna buy
with his paycheck. While dining at the
Sirloin Stockade, Jon learned of a job
opening in dish-washing and decided to
apply. He got the job! Within the first
three months of employment, Jon's
fast-pace, positive attitude, and
dependability earned him a raise. He
enjoys working at the restaurant and
being a contributing member of the team.
He and his co-workers work together to
stay on task and keep the restaurant
stocked with clean dishes and cooking
equipment. He takes pride in what he does
and owners Adam and Lisa Carver have
recognized his dedication to their
business.
He comes in here every day with a sense of
enthusiasm and just gives it a hundred percent. If I ask him to do
something he doesn't hesitate, he gets out there and takes care
of it. He takes pride in doing a good job.
You're only limited by what your mindset is.
I would say that it doesn't matter if you have
a disability
or any problem. If you're willing and determined
hard enough to do anything, and you have the determination
to get it done, then you'll succeed. Through his hard work and
commitment to the job, and the trust his
co-workers and bosses have in him, Jon's
confidence in himself and his abilities
continue to rise. Since beginning his job
he has been able to buy a new car, lease
an apartment, and even register for
classes at Murray State University. Now
that you have seen examples of what
Competitive Integrated Employment can
look like, we hope that you can imagine
yourself in such a role. Finding a job that
you love is possible if you're in a
position that best suits your strength
and skill sets.
If you've never had an opportunity to
explore your vocational interests in
work-related strength, an employment
specialist can help you discover them. As
you can see, employment gives people a
sense of accomplishment and value, more
independence and freedom to enjoy the
things that they like, and a network of
natural supports that can lead to
friendships. In some cases individuals
with disabilities who work can also
become less dependent on government
benefits and resources.
You are the most important person in
finding employment. The first step is
recognizing that you have a desire to
work. The next step is advocating for
that need, by talking with your counselor
at the Office of Vocational
Rehabilitation or the Office for the
Blind. They will guide you to get the
support you need to become a successful
employee. If you are overwhelmed by the
thought of what employment might look
like for you, we encourage you to review
the stories of our four Kentuckians again.
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