People with Disabilities

In March 2020, Marcel Bobson reached a major accomplishment – he became a licensed journeyman plumber in the state of Texas. The path to this goal required patience and determination; Marcel completed 8,000 hours of training in four years, all while working a full-time job. The hard work and sacrifice paid off, however, when Marcel mastered the subject and passed the licensed plumber examination with flying colors.

Throughout this journey, Marcel knew he could count on the support of his co-workers at PRIDE, where he started as a Maintenance Trades Helper and now plies his trade as a certified plumber. “As a new journeyman plumber in these challenging times, it is my privilege to work with PRIDE Industries and to help keep our military families safe,” said Marcel.

The grit and perseverance required to reach his career goals were nothing new to Marcel, who has overcome many obstacles in his life. He grew up in the South American country of Suriname, and joined the Dutch Army after graduating high school. A military accident in 1982 caused him to completely lose hearing in his right ear and experience partial hearing loss in his left ear.

Because Marcel’s disability was newly acquired, he didn’t know sign language and struggled to communicate at first. Eventually, with the help of hearing aids, he regained the ability to speak with others.

About a decade after the military accident, Marcel moved to the United States. After meeting his future wife, who was stationed at Ft. Bliss, he moved to El Paso, TX. Marcel then enrolled at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), where he took general courses in the Electrical Engineering Program for several months, but eventually decided to look for employment again.

For three years, Marcel searched for a permanent job position. Finding work seemed elusive, especially as his hearing loss began to worsen. Many employers were hesitant to hire someone with a disability. However, this all changed when Marcel joined PRIDE’s Ft. Bliss Commercial Facilities Management contract in 2014 as a Maintenance Trades Helper (following a referral from the Texas Workforce Commission) in the Electrical Shop. With Marcel’s impressive work ethic, the job proved to be a perfect fit, and he was promoted to General Maintenance Worker shortly after he started with PRIDE.

Marcel started an after-work apprenticeship program in 2015 which would make him eligible for the state plumbing exam. In 2016, he applied for and earned a General Maintenance Worker (GMW) position in the PRIDE-Ft. Bliss plumbing department. PRIDE’s Training Department paid for all his course fees, testing fees and his travel expenses related to his apprenticeship to help Marcel achieve his goal.

“As a GMW working with other plumbers, my daily job tasks include repairing plumbing fixtures, unclogging sewer lines, troubleshooting hot water heaters, installing sinks, and toilets. I find that plumbing is like solving a puzzle—I have to locate the leak or find which line is clogged up. At the end of the day, I like working with my hands and getting the job done!”

“A rewarding moment is when I was called to troubleshoot a building that had only hot water. A soldier personally thanked me for helping them out, and it felt great.”

While his professional career continued to prosper, Marcel’s hearing, unfortunately, continued to worsen. This factor made his job especially difficult since he could no longer understand instructions while in a warehouse environment. or during work service calls. To accommodate this change, PRIDE’s Vocational Rehabilitation department provided Marcel with a new cell phone with closed captioning, a larger screen, and notetaking apps. Marcel also started taking ASL sign language classes offered by PRIDE Job Coaches.

In 2018, Marcel learned that he qualified for cochlear implants, and decided to go through with the procedure. This process was an adjustment, as he initially experienced side effects of dizziness, and nausea.

“Despite the initial difficulty, I am now able to hear better. It took some effort, but with the continued help of my PRIDE Job Coach, I was ready to complete my job assignments again.”

Marcel never let any of these challenges get in his way of finishing his apprenticeship, and he ultimately passed the examination and was promoted to Plumber in March 2020.

“Marcel worked so hard for this accomplishment,” said Rehabilitation Counselor Shannon Bloxham. “He’s faced every obstacle that’s come his way with a positive attitude and persistence. I am proud of his accomplishments.”

Marcel is pleased with what he’s accomplished. But more than anything, he’s glad to be doing the work he loves, at a company where he has forged many friendships.

“My job means I can provide for my family while working in a career that I enjoy,” he says. “And I also like knowing that I’m contributing to PRIDE’s mission to help people with disabilities like me.”

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Contact our I AM ABLE Helpline to discuss your options.

“My job means I can provide for my family while working in a career that I enjoy. And I also like knowing that I’m contributing to PRIDE’s mission to help people with disabilities like me.”

As online applications become the standard, face-to-face introductions often give job seekers an edge. This option may be difficult for people who have challenges with verbal communication. PRIDE Industries’ disability job placement services and employment programs for people with disabilities is here to help navigate options and provide support. PRIDE Industries’ Job Developers reach out to businesses in the community to help place people with disabilities in the perfect job, creating the means for lasting employment success.

During the pandemic, PRIDE Industries’ Employment Services team remains hard at work to place individuals with disabilities in employment. Using videoconferencing, they are reviewing resumes, practicing online interviews, and focusing on placements for in-demand fields such as grocery stores, fulfillment, and custodial jobs.

Carlos Perez, one of PRIDE Industries’ Job Developers, places individuals in community employment and supports them through the process of getting an internship, a permanent job, and their first three months of employment. He shares his story with PRIDE below:

Disability Job Placement Services that Ensure Long-Term Success

“While studying Psychology at Sacramento State, I continued to work at Safeway as a Store Associate. I enjoyed mentoring those who were new to the job, including ways to help customers pick out the right produce and checking them out at the cash register.

During my time at Safeway, a few individuals from PRIDE’s Employment Services Program also worked at this store. In 2016, I met PRIDE Job Coach John Edwards, who explained PRIDE’s mission to create job opportunities for people with disabilities. I was so impressed by PRIDE’s work and employment services that when the opportunity came up, I took a chance and joined as a Job Coach in 2017.

Job coaches help ensure the long-term success of individuals with disabilities after job placement. I work with people with a variety of disabilities, including many on the Autism (ASD) spectrum. Everyone has their unique talents; for example, those with ASD often have excellent memory and organizational skills. However, all placements work hard to contribute to their position.

Job Placement for People Facing Barriers to Employment

After a year, I was promoted to Job Developer for PRIDE’s Youth Services program, focusing on placing young adults that have disabilities, who are emancipating from foster care, and survivors of sex trafficking into employment.

Getting to that final point can be a challenge, as it ranges from 4 to 7 months to place a person. Ultimately, it comes down to the individual’s persistence and willingness to continue.

Many of my clients have dealt with trauma. We are sensitive to their pasts and help them develop more confidence by creating their resumes and arranging for paid internships in community internships.

Retail jobs are my most frequent placements; it’s an excellent match for my clients as they are just getting into the job market and have the chance to build up necessary skills such as customer service.

Beyond Job Placement Services: Cultivating Vital Skills

Knowing how to talk to employers is tough for anyone, especially if you have a disability. Many of my clients communicate differently and struggle with eye contact and anxiety. PRIDE Employment Services provides training in skills that are necessary to succeed at work. Additionally, following up with the employer often helps. They are more willing to give the individual an opportunity once they learn that PRIDE is there to provide ongoing support.

When approaching a potential employer to help place an individual, I usually go in-person to introduce myself. Paper only gets you so far!

Along with job planning, I help my clients develop an education plan if they desire to attend college. I remind them that it is essential to focus on performing well at their jobs; it’s a good stepping stone to building a career. I use my previous experience at Safeway as an example, as it taught me a strong work ethic and customer service skills.

When my clients get jobs, and their families thank me, it’s truly priceless and the best part of my job. Helping one person might not change the whole world, but it could change the world for one person.”

Need employment placement support?

Contact our I AM ABLE Helpline to discuss your options.

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“Helping one person might not change the whole world, but it could change the world for one person.”

“Do you have access to reliable transportation?”

This seemingly simple question, often asked on a job application or interview, can pose incredible obstacles to a person with a disability. Despite their ability to work and contribute, many individuals with disabilities do not have a driver’s license or access to a vehicle or reliable public transportation, making specific job opportunities inaccessible.

Creating this vital connection to employment, PRIDE Industries provides more than 21,000 rides per month and over 90 routes per day to individuals with disabilities working at PRIDE Industries or with businesses in the community. PRIDE Industries Transit has a fleet of 60 vehicles that cover 52 routes in Placer, Sacramento, Yuba, Nevada, and Sutter Counties in Northern California. PRIDE Industries’ Employment Services also helps individuals navigate public transportation.

Accessible vehicles are not only essential for providing transportation for people with a wide range of disabilities but also senior citizens and those with mobility restrictions. PRIDE’s Transit occasionally helps out in the local community, including for wildfire evacuations.

For more than 13 years, Dan Buchanan has worked as a Bus Driver for PRIDE Industries, transporting employees with disabilities and helping them access opportunities to jobs, paychecks, and independence. He shares his experiences below:

Meet Dan:

“As a Bus Driver, I’m like a captain of a ship. I have the sole responsibility to get employees safely to their destination, starting with the pickup in the morning at their homes and drop-off at work at the Roseville, CA, HQ, or other day programs. Then after a four-hour break, I start the second half of my shift, picking them up and getting them all back home.

When I first got my job at PRIDE, I had zero experience with people with developmental disabilities and felt a little overwhelmed at first. However, it didn’t take long to see how sincere, friendly, and honest the employees that I transport are. Everyone has their own personality traits that you get to learn as time goes on. Most importantly, my passengers love to have fun and tell jokes. My bus has been nicknamed “the party bus.”

As the “captain,” I am also charged with making sure everyone has a pleasant and safe ride, which can be challenging in such a small space with 16 people. To help, I created seating charts on some routes. If the passengers have a respectful attitude, they can sing and make as much noise as they want to!

The best moment of my day is dropping off employees and picking them up at the patio. You get to see so many friendly people that you have transported over the years, and it brightens your day. All of the passengers become very fond of their bus driver, as we spend 2 to 3 hours a day with them. I often receive cards, hand drawn pictures, or a craft item; you can tell that they have spent a lot of time on these objects, and it is very thoughtful.

I have seen how access to transportation makes a difference in people’s lives, as a job gives them meaning and self-respect. When you have been their driver for years, you get to see how employment helps them grow through life. One employee stands out, as I have driven her since the day she started working at PRIDE ten years ago. I have watched her grow into a confident and outgoing person, and I am very proud of her accomplishments and finding a career.”

Joey Villarreal is on his way to make history; after finishing his apprenticeship, he will become the first licensed plumber in the state of Texas who is deaf. Working as a General Maintenance Worker for PRIDE Industries for the last eight years, Joey built up his skills while maintaining military and federal buildings.

“Coming to PRIDE was completely different than any other job,” said Joey. ” I had worked at a print shop where I was the only Deaf employee and struggled with communication. My friend John Ferrales, a General Maintenance Worker at PRIDE’s Ft. Bliss, TX location, encouraged me to apply to PRIDE, and I was hired in December 2011.”

The unemployment rate among individuals who are deaf is incredibly high. Fewer than 40 percent of people with a hearing disability work full time, according to the Yang-Tan Institute at Cornell University’s analysis of 2016 American Community Survey data. Despite the misconceptions that deter businesses from hiring deaf and Hard-of-Hearing employees, they can meet and exceed the job requirements, if given the opportunity.

“The General Maintenance Worker position at PRIDE is perfect for me, as I enjoy working with my hands and figuring out creative ways to fix things,” said Joey. “There is no better feeling than when I’m able to solve a problem that no one else can figure out.”

To facilitate communication, Joey uses VRI (a service that offers a sign language interpreter on-demand) to communicate with co-workers and customers, in addition to the on-site PRIDE ASL (American Sign Language) Job Coach and the IMO App to video message (for ASL signing). With these tools, Joey was able to start mastering a trade while expertly serving PRIDE’s customers.

After years of earned expertise working in the plumbing department, Joey felt ready to advance in his career. “Joey has been a great asset,” said Facilities Supervisor Mike McKibbin. “He has an incredible wealth of knowledge that he shares with the rest of the team, he can repair anything from pneumatic pumps, water lines, and general plant utilities.”

While maintaining his current position last summer, Joey started his apprenticeship under Plumber Lewis Ikey. The plumbing apprenticeship requires 8,000 hours of work, and he will become eligible to test for his journeyman license in 2023.

“Joey always does wonderful work and is always willing to take the time to show new employees (including me) around the facility,” said Raina Stevens, PRIDE Job Coach, and ASL Translator. “We appreciate his efforts towards making our facility a better place to work.”

Joey recently represented PRIDE Industries in the community by giving a presentation to high school students about his experience as a Deaf person in the workforce and finding a career in the technical trades field. “It felt important to encourage the students to aim high for their goals and get an education and on-the-job experience.”

Congratulations Joey! We are looking forward to seeing you earn your plumbing license and making your mark in history.

“I have always wanted to help others achieve their goals. Working for PRIDE has given me this opportunity, as I teach and mentor others in the technical trades field.”

Did You Know?

Fewer than 40% of people with a hearing disability work full-time

Most people remember that first job right out of high school. Developing a professional resume, navigating through interview questions, and proving yourself despite a lack of experience, all made reaching that milestone even more special. However, for youth with disabilities, these obstacles are compounded, making that first paycheck even more elusive. This problem hinders further markers of independence, like moving into a new apartment, affording higher education, or purchasing a car. PRIDE Industries offers employment services to help people with disabilities prepare for and secure their first job out of high school and begin the path to their chosen career.

Partnering with PRIDE Employment Services to Overcome Obstacles

Alexzander turned to PRIDE Industries’ employment services after he graduated high school in 2018. He had minimal experience working in his high school and at a camp for youth in foster care. He was eager for his first permanent job, but after months of searching, he hadn’t found one.

“Whenever I saw a help wanted sign, I would go into the store to fill out an application and introduce myself. While speaking to the manager, I would become incredibly nervous, start stuttering, and completely forget what I wanted to say. Months went by, and I couldn’t find anything. I just wanted a job where I could grow.”

PRIDE Industries’ employment services helped bridge this gap. Alexzander met Carlos Perez, a job developer, via referral, and together they developed a resume and cover letter and practiced interviewing. PRIDE also provided Alexzander with professional work clothes, a planner, and other items to help him succeed.

“I have a learning disability, and Carlos worked with me to develop ways to overcome my anxiety and remember the correct steps while applying and interviewing for a job,” said Alexzander. “The consistent practice made me more confident since I knew that I had support, and Carlos would accompany me to meet with potential employers.”

Employment Services: Laying A Foundation for the Future

All their hard work paid off when Carlos helped connect Alexzander to a paid internship, funded by donations to PRIDE, at a local Rite-Aid store. Eager to start working, Alexzander continually showed up with a positive attitude, impressing his colleagues. “It meant so much when my manager told me that my entire team wanted to invite me to join them as a store associate!”

“I am currently thriving in my job and am starting to learn how to become a cashier and change prices. The best part of each day is making someone’s day a little better.”

Thanks to PRIDE’s donors, Alexzander is now able to build a foundation for his future career. “While learning new skills at my job, I have been saving up money for college; I plan to study computer coding to become a video game or animation designer.

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“I am currently thriving in my job and am starting to learn how to become a cashier and change prices. The best part of each day is making someone’s day a little better.”

Like many young adults with disabilities, John* (name changed) struggled to find a job. After several months, John’s father was concerned that his son would never reach this important milestone of independence. Moreover, he feared that John was quickly running out of time.

With this in mind, they reached out to PRIDE Industries’ Youth Services program. This program provides job coaching assistance and connects qualified candidates with local employment and internship opportunities.

Internship Opportunities and Job Programs for Adults with Disabilities

Then, things changed for the better when John met Carlos Perez, a PRIDE Industries Job Developer. Carlos worked one-on-one with John, teaching him fundamental skills for job success. As John worked with Carlos, his confidence grew, and he began making significant progress towards his goals.

However, the real challenge began when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, bringing hiring to a standstill. Despite this setback, Carlos was able to arrange a paid internship opportunity for John at Walgreens. Generous donors to The Michael Ziegler PRIDE Industries Foundation made this opportunity possible. With on-the-job coaching from PRIDE Industries, John is making progress in his new role. Significantly, he has impressed his manager, who is considering hiring him after the internship ends.

Partner with Youth Services

John got his foot in the door and is on track to accomplishing what he never thought was possible. If you’re a young adult with a disability or other barrier to employment and are struggling to find a job, PRIDE Industries can help you, too. Partner with Youth Services to learn new skills, find internship and job opportunities, access assistive technology on the job, receive ongoing support, and so much more.

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