Services for People with Disabilities

Rebecca sustained a brain injury as an adult, which has left Rebecca with long lasting challenges. Her family said when they first took her home from the hospital after the accident, she could not walk or talk. They had little hope she would be able to recover. In the last 10 years, she has made considerable progress, although she still struggles with short-term memory. Rebecca describes herself as similar to the woman from “50 First Dates”, with her memory retention limited to less than 24 hours. Through the SWI program, she was placed with a retail store that agreed to accommodate any additional needs she may have. Rebecca’s supervisors and job coaches were attentive to her needs and helped her find the right department to work in, allowing her the opportunity to try a few options. Her supervisor and job coach put signs on the time clock telling her where to go and reminding her every day where she worked. Her supervisor also would help explain the area each day in small sections, which over time she has been able to memorize and retain the information. She has also been able to recognize and remember her coworkers, which she is maintaining friendships with.

Through her job placement with the SWI program, Rebecca has soared in the last year in her ability to work, memorize, and remember. Her supervisor and coworkers state that she is the most upbeat and positive person they have ever met, and Rebecca is an inspiration to everyone that works with her.

Ranny has been attending a Day Services Program since 2003. She has participated in job tries throughout the community and during the school year she works for Utah State University’s food services. In May of this year, Ranny was hired as the sole landscaper for two office buildings in Cache Valley by a local businessman. Ranny landscapes five days a week and she and her job coach pull weeds, trim bushes, and rake. If you ask Ranny what her favorite part of her job is she will tell you, “pulling WEEDS!” When asked why she wants a job, her response is, “I don’t know. I just want to work.” Ranny arrives each day on-time and ready to work. She knows where her tools are and is very meticulous. The job was originally supposed to end in September, but the employer has been considering keeping her through October and possibly longer.

In April, during Post High School’s Spring Break, Kaya opted to stay home and help out at a local assisted living center while her family was on vacation. When Kaya arrived, she dove right in and got to work, asking how she could help and acted as a companion to the residents, while helping with the daily laundry. After the break, when the owners were approached regarding the possibility of Kaya doing an internship with them, they did not hesitate to say, “yes!” The internship began in June with Kaya scheduling her daily pick-up and drop–off with the local transit system via text message to ensure she is at work on time. She is constantly seeking more work to do and loves to stay busy. She was so proud when she received her official name tag. After job coach weekly check-ins, Kaya always has a smile on her face, and you can find her assisting one of the residents with eating (she passed her food handler’s permit test in June), doing laundry, singing with the residents, or painting their nails. Kaya’s internship will end in September, at which time her employment with the assisted living center will continue, and she will maintain a schedule of 6 hours a week.