Bridging the Gap
Bridging the Gap
The Arc of Washington County creates integrated and customized supported employment for those with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Jamie works behind the scenes at Sanders Cookie Jar Bakery, but his contagious smile and willingness to help would shine in the front of the house at this Pennsylvania Avenue shop.
When we met, he quickly offered to demonstrate his responsibilities — explaining every detail as though training a new worker. It sounds like something any employee might do, but Jamie isn’t just any employee, and his journey to this point has been anything but ordinary.
Jamie is one of about 200 adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities participating in the Supported Employment Program at The Arc of Washington County, Inc. They’re lucky to be in the program because The Arc is leading the way in personalized employment.
The basics are there — the participants get training, help finding a job, and ongoing support in the community — but The Arc’s approach goes a step beyond, making the difference between merely finding work to helping each person find a purpose in life.
“Every person deserves meaningful work,” says Staci Jones, senior director of day and employment services. “We go through a lengthy discovery process to determine what each person wants to do, then job developers take the individualized plan and search for the right employers.”
This is where the paradigm shifts. They do not go looking for random openings that exist so they can plug their program participants into a job. Instead, they partner with businesses to create a customized job that fits the participant while filling a distinct need for the employer. Sometimes, a new position is envisioned and developed; other times, an existing position is the perfect fit.
Transitioning into the job
After The Arc’s team learned what Jamie wanted to do and finalized his position, they paired him with a job coach to support his transition into the new job.
Amanda Rossen was his coach when he started at Sanders Cookie Jar Bakery. In the beginning, she stayed for the whole shift, learned the job along with him, and ensured he felt competent in the job and comfortable in the new environment.
“Jamie had great spirit and liked to joke with the staff,” she said, so his socialization — which is a vital component of the program — went smoothly.”
As Jamie became comfortable with the tasks and routine, Amanda phased herself out. In a very short time, he took directions directly from his boss and worked independently.
“Some people assume that everyone who has a disability is limited, but they just need a chance to show what they can do. I’ve been amazed at the progress Jamie has achieved.”
—Perry Sanders, Owner/Manager/Baker at Sanders Cookie Jar Bakery
Jamie’s boss — Perry Sanders — is the third generation to run the family bakery, which has been in Hagerstown since 1965. Perry has been the owner, manager, and baker for the last 21 years. He describes Jamie as a personable, productive, and reliable employee willing to learn new tasks.
What Perry says about working with people who have disabilities is a testament to the magic that happens when the community pulls together.
“Some people assume that everyone with a disability is limited, but they just need a chance to show what they can do,” says Perry. “I’ve been amazed at the progress Jamie has achieved — up to par or even better than others in the same position.”
The bottom line being fostered by The Arc is this: When jobs are customized so each person can thrive, while providing value to the business, there’s no telling what can be achieved.
On the day I visited Jamie at the bakery, another employee worked with intense focus at a large table not far from Jamie’s workstation. I watched him roll out pastry dough, add fruit fillings, and create delightful pastries.
Later, I learned that he was also a person with special needs who started as a dishwasher, which is Jamie’s current job. Now, seven years have passed, he’s still there, and thanks to Perry’s guidance and teaching, he has become an assistant.
Two words come up frequently as Perry talks about these employees — progress and gratification. Perry keeps saying he has seen progress he never would have imagined and how gratifying it is to contribute to that experience. One look at Jamie makes it clear the feeling is mutual.
More Than Part-Time Work
Most members of the supported employment program work part-time, so The Arc fills the gap with day programs that continue to build on strengths while providing opportunities to become members of the wider Hagerstown community. Their Day Habilitation services engage Jamie and his co-participants in socialization, ongoing vocational training, learning activities, and vibrant community-based interaction.
“We go through a lengthy discovery process to determine what each person wants to do, then job developers take the individualized plan and search for the right employers.”
—Staci Jones, Senior Director of Day and Employment Services
The Arc also focuses on helping youth get the vocational training and guidance they need as they leave school. This is a critical role requiring significant effort.
In 2014, the high schools in Washington County enrolled 644 special education students. As they turn 21 and age out of special education services, they leave a supportive environment and enter a world that offers very little by way of help.
Programs for adults are sparse, funding is limited, and the wait list is long. People in crisis or with severe needs are the only ones likely to receive prompt help.
As The Arc spearheads integrated employment programs, they aim to partner with the Hagerstown community and small businesses that can benefit from hard-working individuals. If you’ve ever wondered about the experience and whether you should participate, take inspiration from Jamie and Perry.
Jamie says he’s proud to be working, and his happiness is tangible. As for Perry, he gained a dedicated, steady worker — someone he can depend on to do what needs to be done — in a position that’s usually a headache due to high turnover. Progress is easily measured in skills and increased independence, but Perry summed up the difference in Jamie’s quality of life in one word — dignity.
