Stephon moved to Florida from New York and has been a part of Vocational Rehabilitation in both states. He has always been able to find On the job trainings (OJT's) but permanent employment. His employU employment specialist Tony, worked with Stephon to help change that!![]()
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Struggling with confidence, Stephon was convinced that any OJT they tried would not result in a permanent placement and his work ethic suffered as a result. Despite this, he was motivated to find a position that would fit his unique skills and abilities with an employer that saw beyond his physical and visual impairments to his resiliency and determination. Motiv8u of North Central Florida turned out to be that place.![]()
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He started as an office assistant with the YMCA and then moved to the youth and teen center to help as an assistant and counselor to the teens. He proved himself during summer camp and was rewarded by being given the responsibility of helping to plan and implement activities. After learning the skills necessary with Tony, Stephon quickly grew more comfortable being a guiding force for some of the youth.![]()
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"He loves that getting to be an inspiration and guiding force for many of the youth. The key to Stephon's success was helping him realize that he had more to offer and that he could think outside of his limitations to reach for jobs that he would have regarded in the past as being out of reach. This is my favorite success story in my time with employU."- Tony, Stephon's employU employment specialist
Kaitlin has always had a passion for working with children. She has held various teacher assistant jobs in the past including a seasonal position at her current workplace, Orchard ABA learning center where she works with children that have autism. She is responsible for organizing the classroom, guiding and observing the kids, and doing activities with them.![]()
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Starting with an on the job training (OJT) at Orchard last summer, Kaitlin did a great job. They wanted to hire her permanently but they weren't sure there would be enough children gong into the school year to keep Kaitlin on but everything worked out and she got the job!![]()
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Kaitlin has a deep brain pace maker which sometimes makes it difficult for her to protect herself against outbursts from the kids. Together with her employU employment specialist, Sarah, they came up with a solution. Kaitlin will carry a walkie-talkie with her whenever she is alone with the children, so as soon as there is an outburst she can remove herself and call for help. ![]()
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The goal is for Kaitlin to keep working in childcare because she finds purpose in it and we can't wait to see where she goes from here! #employingabilities
Charlene came to employU looking for a way to earn extra income. She needed to find a position that was within biking distance as that is her only mode of transportation. With the help of Kevin, Charlene's employU employment specialist, she created a resume and prepared for interviews. All their hard work paid off when she found an on the job training (OJT) at Suwannee Belle Landing Restaurant. ![]()
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Working 3 days a week, Charlene fills sauce containers for service and the staff find her job indispensable. After completing her OJT she was hired permanently. Charlene is thrilled to have found long term employment and loves feeling needed by her coworkers.![]()
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With an interest in art, Charlene hopes to one day find work in that field but for now she is happy to earn a consistent paycheck which is what we want for all of our clients! #employingabilities
Ever since he was a kid, Sam has wanted to work at Walt Disney World. To help build his skills and prepare for this dream, Sam has worked with Vocational Rehabilitation and his employU employment specialist, Jeff, for a long time taking part in on-the-job trainings (OJT), Career Camps, and even attending college.![]()
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He recently took the next step in his preparation journey by joining the security team at Clover Field, Spring Training home of the New York Mets. Sam is the first point of contact for guests coming to enjoy the game. He's tasked with greeting guests as they enter, checking bags thoroughly for prohibited items, and answering questions about the park.![]()
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Outside of work, Sam volunteers at the Children's Museum and at a local restaurant as a host, all to build his social skills and learn how to better interact with guests. "Sam and I have been working together for many years, since he was a child learning to surf with Special Olympics. I have watched Sam grow into the man he has become today." -Jeff, Sam's employU employment specialist![]()
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Gaining skills and experience like Sam did is just one piece of our disability employment services for adults with disabilities. Learn more about our programs on our website!
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