National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

Throughout October, we will recognize individuals throughout our programs as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Today, we celebrate Joshua Coles, a member of our benchwork assembly program, who recently utilized our hybrid program to obtain community-based employment.

Joshua joined the Benchwork Assembly Program over three years ago. He quickly impressed his supervisors with his ability to remain focused and diligent about any given task. Quickly rising through the ranks, Joshua has performed almost every job on our benchwork floor. 

After three years in the program, Joshua expressed an interest in finding community-based employment. With the help of his vocational case manager, he applied, interviewed, and obtained a part-time job at Mcdonald’s. As a lobby attendant, Josh maintained the dining area, looking fresh and presentable throughout his shift. 

Joshua credits the assistance of his case manager and time in the shop for honing his interpersonal communication skills and ability to self-advocate. He can now speak with his managers about issues he is having, request time off, and ask for assistance when needed.