DDD and VR Unite to Help Man Flourish in Workplace
Quiet, capable, and committed to self-improvement are words that help to describe Eli, a man of few words who is earning his way in the world. A member of the DES Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), Eli has been working with a DES Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) job coach and the United Cerebral Palsy of Southern Arizona's (UCPSA) Workability program.
Eli with his dog, Bob, enjoy a quiet moment together.
Workability is a Transition to Employment program funded by DDD for its Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) members. Workability provides support to individuals with disabilities as they prepare to begin their career. Eli attended this program for over a year. When he was ready to pursue Competitive Integrated Employment, Eli's Support Coordinator made a referral to VR for their services. Eli began receiving VR services during his senior year of high school. Through the DDD Workability program, he attended a variety of internships, which exposed him to a diverse range of Tucson-area employers and job opportunities. In March 2023, an internship led to an employment position with American Refrigeration Supplies (ARS).
At ARS, Eli works 30 hours a week helping to stock shelves, pull merchandise to fill orders, file paperwork, and perform certain cleaning tasks. He especially likes the workplace variety. "Something to do every day; something is different [every day]," said Eli.
A Workability job coach temporarily accompanies him, while he performs his duties. Together, Eli and his coach are working to improve certain skills, such as time management, efficiency, and self-advocacy.
When it is determined that Eli is ‘stable on the job' and he has completed the VR process, VR will close his case. From here, DDD will take over and approve job coaching services, or Individual Support Employment (ISE), and will arrange for the UCPSA to continue supporting Eli as long as is necessary for him to continue to succeed in his job.
DDD Employment Services offers a variety of employment supports and services to help individuals with developmental disabilities gain needed job skills. The DDD Employment Services specialist may also refer the individual to VR for additional one-on-one support. Together, DDD and VR help people with disabilities prepare for, acquire, and retain employment. Visit DDD Employment Services online for more information.