Disabled employees strengthens Vermont’s economy – VTDIGGER

Local communities – and economies – are the strongest and most healthy when all resources are recognized, appreciated and used. Vermont has learned that over the years, through the many and growing contributions of people with intellectual and disability development (I/DD) to competitive workforce.

“Vermont’s workforce has been stretched over the years,” says Delana Norton, CEO of Champlain Community Services (CCS), a provider of development services in Kolchester. “However, where we see success, it is in many people with disabilities who work and contribute to jobs in all sectors of the competitive economy.”

CCS is one of several agencies for development service providers within the Vermont Care partners offering employment and career development based in the community of Vermonters with I/DD. Vermont Care Partners is a 16-member network of agencies providing specialized mental health, use of substances and services for developmental disabilities across the country.

Norton called Vermont “Pioneer” in the Community Model of Employment for I/DD workers. She notes that in 2002, Vermont became the first country to eliminate the salaries of the submissive and closed the last of its so -called “protected workshops”. The new approach is rooted and from 2002 to 2019 Vermont has noted an 88 -percent increase in employment for people with disabilities.

In CCS, Way2Work offers a unique continuum of education and individualized employment services that help Vermonters with intellectual disabilities and autism achieve long -term career success. Way2Work offers personal support from high school through retirement: pre-warnings, training and job accommodation, workplace coaching, career development and even self-employment.

Ashley Dubua, a Senior Employment and Education Manager at CCS, said Way2Work focuses on a long career development play to increase the likelihood of long -term success. “This is our specialty; We meet people, learn about their interests, skills and preferences to work. Then we do our best to go out and find it. “

Sometimes it takes the first step. “Of course, everyone starts somewhere and sometimes helps a person start in the initial work,” Duboa said. “But we are always looking for ways in which one can learn and grow, whether it is in their current place of employment or somewhere new. When we focus on achieving a good match, instead of a quick job, people tend to stay in these jobs longer and report more satisfaction. “

Talk about work satisfaction – get acquainted with Eve. S S

Sweet success!

Finding your “dream work” can take time and effort, but the reward can be a “gold ticket”. The story of Eve’s success led her to work with Birnn Chocolates in South Burlington. Dubois has been part of Eve’s employment trip from the beginning and sees how a person -oriented approach can do anything different.

Eve successfully worked with other jobs via Way2Work, but it turned out to be more. “One day, Eve told me she wanted to work at a chocolate factory,” Dubo said. “I think it was because she had watched the new Wonka a movie. “CCS employees have established connections with chocolate candy in Birne, so Dubua works with Birne to make an internship that Eve served in the spring of 2024.

“Eve liked to work in Birne and it was an extremely hope to hire a job there,” Dubo said. She achieved her goal when she became an employee in May. “She fell in love with the first day,” Dubua said. And she still loves him. S S

“What I like about working in Birne is part of a team, flexibility of tasks and experience in working with chocolate,” Eva said. “Colleagues are very useful and friendly and make you feel like your family. I also like to have a very supportive, flexible and understanding manager. ”

According to owner Julia Birne Fields and things work well for Birne’s chocolate candy

“EVA was a fantastic addition to our team through the Way2Work program. Her innovative ideas and a strong focus make her a valuable advantage. It embodies teamwork and cooperation and we really appreciate its contribution. We are grateful for this partnership. “

The challenges remain

Throughout the country, employment picture is mixed for people with ID/D. While the US Department of Labor reflects the growth of employment rate, a new study conducted by the Center for Social Development and Education at the University of Massachusetts-Boston shows that unemployment among people with I/DD is more than twice as high as The common part of the population.

However, the network of Vermont development service providers has a model that supports the needs of workers with I/DD and employers. And while Eve’s story is remarkable, it is not completely unique. Dubois notes that more employers in an ever-increasing range of industries-retail, food services, hospitality, healthcare, information services, production and distribution, arts and entertainment, aviation, care for children-working with CCS to enhance staff and The bottom lines. I/DD workers get a good job and keep them.

Investments in programs like Way2Work are investments in the economy and communities of Vermont.

Viewing is a belief

Like any team, successful jobs have an engagement and a shared sense of goal among players. Sarah Ellis, a Direct Support (DSP) specialist at CCS who works with EVA as a job trainer, gets a great view of how well things can work out.

“We often go for a walk after her replacement of Birne and Eve expresses how much she wants everywhere in the world, she was so welcoming for people with disabilities,” Elis said. “Her colleagues are so nice. They value Eve as a very capable and hardworking person who needs support in some areas, but is very able to thrive in the workplace. “

Boris Thomas, Manager of production in Birne, agreed. “The member of the Birne Eva team was a great contribution to production! Eve is always on time and is ready to help in any way. She brings good ideas and thoughts to help push Birne forward. ”

Ellis suggested that her experience with EVA and Birnn Chocolates influenced how she was thinking of doing a good job.

“I do not know anyone who works as hard as Eve to be a good employee; To decode not only the provisions and tasks of employees, but also the complex social dynamics that will be a successful team member, “she said. “Eve is constantly committed to how she can be a responsible employee and asks questions that make me think about what it means to contribute and to show such a love for my workplace. I could not be more impressed than Birne as an employer or proud of Eve as an employee; Their partnership is an amazing thing to witness. “

Vermont’s approach to inclusive employment is not just the right thing – it’s an intelligent business. Stories like Eve’s show that when people with disabilities get the right opportunities and support, they do not do it only well, they thrive. Employers receive hardworking, specialized members of the team and communities benefit from a stronger, more diverse workforce. Investing in programs like Way2Work and building partnerships between business and workers with I/DD, Vermont creates a more successful and successful economy where everyone has a chance to contribute and belongs.

To connect or learn more about Champlain Community Services Visit our website on or call 802-655-0511.

This article is part of a series co -produced by members of Vermont Care PartnersState network of sixteen non -profit, community -based agencies providing mental health, use of substances and maintenance of disabilities in intellectual and development.