Adult Employment

The 1980 Dale Roy School stationery lists the Terminal Workshop as one of the components of the county program. Thankfully, after thirty years nothing is now considered terminal when the education, service, and support of Ashland County's three hundred individuals with disabilities are considered. What was the Terminal Workshop is now a highly individualized, supportive employment process that focuses on the abilities of individuals and not the disabilities.

We can all appreciate the dignity and value of work, but try to imagine overcoming challenges and obstacles that most of us will never know. When interviewing clients for this column, I asked, "What is difficult about your job?" One responded, "Nothing is really difficult, just people complaining. I just try to help them out." Another stated, "I live my dream." Imagine if all of us had the same philosophy and approach as we move through each work day.

Ashland County's adult clients have employment opportunities that may be at the DR Services site or at numerous businesses throughout the county. As adults express an interest in employment, they enter a defined, thorough vocational program that involves team assessments to identify goals, strengths, medical factors, and areas of assistance. Job trainers will then work with local employers to find an employment opportunity that is a win-win for all parties. Trust between the job trainers and employers is critical. There is never the expectation of "special" treatment because there is an identifiable disability. Nor is this relationship a charity case. The entire process is based on the individual's right to employment, but with that comes commitment, responsibility, and willingness to do whatever it takes to meet the employer's needs. It is the ability, not the disability, of the individuals that makes the contribution to the business and the community.

The Rehabilitation Services Commission can collaborate with the potential employer to offer trial work experiences. The potential employee spends one week at the site and trains with the job trainer. Wages are paid by DR Services with no cost or investment of any type for the employer. After the trial period all meet to decide if the relationship will be possible and productive. If the trial has been positive for all involved the application process begins. Free on-the-job training continues for the first month followed by shadowing and spot checks as needed. In addition to the no obligation, no cost on-the-job training, the employer may also be eligible for a one time tax credit of $2,400 If the individual is not suited for the job they simply move on to another trial work experience. Wages for most positions start at the Federal minimum wage, but increases with possible benefits are possible.

Ashland County is very fortunate to have many businesses and employers who understand the value of employing those with special abilities. Organizations have donated money to fund temporary summer employment, so that individuals may have at least the experience of working. Possibly the greatest heroes are the clients themselves who could choose to stay at home and collect a disability payment. Rather they overcome many challenges and obstacles, seek, obtain and succeed at meaningful, gainful employment and become productive independent citizens. The "Dale Roy Story" is complete with many examples of the abilities of individuals overcoming their disabilities. We all benefit from no longer having a Terminal Workshop to end the dreams and successes of many. For this we can be thankful as we begin a new decade.