OCTOBER 2023
Ryan - Tire Pro!
Ryan attended the DORS Workforce & Technology Center’s (WTC) Automotive General Service Technician (AGST) training. He completed the course and was able to obtain an Automobile Technician Training Certification. Armed with his certification, Ryan was determined to gain full-time employment as an Automobile Technician. The superb work ethic, dedication, and perseverance that helped Ryan be successful in his AGST training also helped him in his job search. He soon found a full-time automobile technician position!
Juhi - Youth Transitions Program Manager at Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM)
Juhi started working in her BISM position in July of 2022, and she soon set out to build on BISM's youth programs. From this goal came the STAR (Students Training in Advocacy and Responsibility) Program.
As influenced by her own experiences, Juhi feels that youth are not exposed to enough information about available career options. "Blind students unintentionally restrict their futures to occupations they are not truly passionate about, but rather those that seem relatively reachable... While every vocation will come with obstacles, there are always ways to overcome them."
The inaugural STAR group graduated this past summer and was such a success that it will be back next summer, and Juhi reports that "one of my favorite parts [of STAR] is the sneaky learning, when we convert traditional lessons into fun and interactive activities." Most importantly, she and BISM wanted to "give the students control over their own future and the ability to dismantle misconceptions about blindness."
Malik - Live!, Customer Service Heart Star!
Malik decided to enroll in DORS’s Workforce & Technology Center’s (WTC) Environmental Services (ES) training program and did very well. Marcia Neil, the ES instructor, reports that he has an excellent work ethic. He did need a little more time to learn the information, but ultimately successfully completed that class and graduated in January of 2023.
Even before he graduated, Malik began working with a WTC Employment Specialist and interviewed with Live! Casino, and they soon offered him a job. His DORS Counselor, Michael, reported: “They asked him what he would do in the position. He told them he would do the floors, take out the trash, and mop. They liked how straightforward he was, so that was it. They wanted to hire him!” Michael was thrilled for Malik. “I wanted to do cartwheels…. I had been worried about him, as had his mother, but he is doing really well…he is coming up on his first anniversary in the position.” Malik is the youngest in his family and his mom told Michael that she no longer worries about him like she did because he can now take care of himself.
Live! Has a thank you card system as part of their “Heart Steps: Hear, Empathize, Apologize, Resolve, Thank.” Malik was recently recognized with a Heart Steps recognition card that noted: “Malik helped a guest find his way [including] putting the guest on the elevator and pushing the button. The guest had a cane. Malik was very polite and helpful.”
Emma's Success with Aldi!
Emma did some research on employment and disability and asked some questions around her community. Then, in the summer of 2021, she decided to contact DORS to see if the services could work for her. She had a lot of questions, and some concerns, about getting a job and how this might impact some of her benefits.
Soon after beginning to work with Emma, her DORS counselor, Ashley, could see that she was more capable than she might have felt. Ashley helped Emma connect with a Benefits Planner, who was able to explain how Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance would be impacted by Emma getting a job.
Next, Emma worked with a Certified Rehabilitation Provider on updating her resume and creating a job placement plan and began an active job search. By early March 2022, she had been offered a job at an ALDI distribution center.
Despite some life stressors along the way, she has maintained stability, received salary increases, and continues to exceed the monthly goals set by her boss. When asked what services from DORS were the most helpful to her, Emma reports, “I think the most helpful thing was the support. "[my counselor] was so enthusiastic about things I wanted to do, understanding of my fears and, supportive of how I wanted everything to be just right. "Since she exited DORS, Emma reports that she is “living my best life, every day.”
