Local Charity Celebrates Participant’s Journey to Independence

The program matches local businesses with AbilityFirst participants’ strengths, interests, and capabilities through its customized employment while job coaches provide on-the-job training at business sites.

“We are always in search of local businesses in Los Angeles County who are willing to explore the job development and placement opportunities we offer with support from our program participants who also seek training, experience, and employment,” said AbilityFirst CEO Lori Carmona. “Together, we create win-win situations that advances access and equity for individuals with disabilities who often face employment challenges.”

With a desire to be more independent and have a career, Julian sought help from AbilityFirst Job Developer Rosa Gonzalez who would become instrumental in his progress. When Julian first joined Supported Employment, he needed support and guidance on a few challenges he faced: how to fill out an application, look for a job, and the interview process. But his biggest challenge was that he didn’t have any prior internships or work experience.

For workers with disabilities, finding employers who are supportive, implement inclusive policies and practices, and connect with organizations like AbilityFirst can be difficult.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 21 percent of people with a disability in the US were employed, up from about 19 percent in 2021. However, the unemployment rate for people with a disability, age 16-64, was 8.2 percent in 2022, which is twice as high as it was for people without a disability, based on information presented by Matt Gonzales for Society for Human Resource Management’s online newsletter.

Recognizing the need for a strong start, Rosa set to help Julian work on his resume first. Although he didn’t have any tangible experience, Rosa was determined to find an internship where Julian could gain skills and training. That’s when they discovered a three-month internship as a front desk assistant with Volunteers of America in Los Angeles, where Julian didn’t need to have any prior experience. The internship started in March and ended in June.

In his role as front desk assistant, Julian learned various tasks including copying and scanning documents, answering the phones, and greeting guests. These skills gave Julian practical experience and helped him to build a foundation for his career.

Following the successful three-month internship at Volunteers for America, Julian received the news that he would be hired as a part-time employee. Today, he works approximately 20 hours a week and loves his job. Julian has a job coach that works with him to ensure a successful transition into his new position and encourage job retention.

“I’ve really been enjoying my job at Volunteers of America and working with my co-workers,” said Julian. “The job tasks that I’m currently completing are the same from when I completed the internship, and the work pace is the same.”

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 marks its 50th anniversary in prohibiting discrimination based on disability in employment by federal agencies, federal contractors and recipients of federal funds, and in the delivery of federally funded program and activities. Both AbilityFirst and Volunteers of America are examples of charities that provide access and promote equity in the workforce for individuals who traditionally have been faced with numerous obstacles.

To learn more about AbilityFirst’s programs, visit www.abilityfirst.org.