| LEAP: Success Stories
STORIES OF ACHIEVEMENT
Center for Personal Assistance
Community Employment
Doris Brennan Center
Assistive Technology
Youth Transition
 Sometimes a beautiful smile opens doors. For Hazel, who suffers from multiple disabilities, her smile helped her succeed in her clinical experiences when she trained through Linking Education, Abilities and Potential (LEAP) to become a home health aide. The nursing home residents immediately connected with Hazel and appreciated her caring nature. In addition to her disabilities, Hazel coped with a lack of self-confidence and low self-esteem. Her interaction with LEAP, the training they provided and the benefits counseling she received turned Hazel’s life around. In her own words: “I learned a lot. I didn’t think I could do it but with the supports of LEAP and my husband encouraging me, I did it. I didn’t quit and now I am working as a home health aide. I’m working all the hours I want to work. This has changed my life in so many ways I can’t explain.” Today, Hazel has more reasons than ever to smile.
“I am blessed – my life has turned around,” beamed 53 year old Frederick. Bringing his own experience with disabilities and his struggles with substance abuse to his position as a home health aid, Fred gives the highest quality of care to his clients. “I know what it’s like,” he states as his rationale for always going the extra mile for those persons with disabilities in his care.
After deciding that his calling is with adults rather than with children, Fred attended both the home health and State Training for Nursing Assistants (STNA) offered by Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential (LEAP). Despite his disability issues and learning needs, he passed the Ohio STNA licensing exam on the first try.
When asked to describe his new life, Fred answers, “I’m working, I’m married and I am the man of my house.” He and his new bride are in the process of buying their own home.
Does home-bound status mean unemployment status? Not in Sharon's case. Sharon copes daily with respiratory and  neurological disabilities, yet she knows she has something to contribute to her community. She also understands that she will benefit personally from a renewed sense of self-esteem and from a purpose in her life. Sharon consulted Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential (LEAP). Because she needed home employment due to her physical limitations, they conducted a job search. Acxiom, a company that provides employers, educational institutions, loan institutions and other organizations with a verification security service, seemed like a possibility. Sharon could check dates of employment, dates of education, degrees earned and salary histories via her home telephone.
LEAP staff assisted Sharon with the job application. When she was hired, a job coach was assigned to her and accompanied her to her orientation at Acxiom. He was there to explain all of the different verification procedures and remained with Sharon until she could do the work independently. LEAP staff continued to follow up. Through the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, they obtained a special chair for her to minimize her discomfort while making the phone calls. Sharon is delighted to be helping in her own support. Her case was successfully closed on January 14, 2008.
Sometimes angels can be hard of hearing. In the case of Maxine, she had disguised her angelic qualities for twenty-five years behind a housekeeping job at either nursing homes, hotels, motels or office buildings. She struggled in an atmosphere where she was often criticized or made fun of simply because she could not hear as well as others. In her heart, she longed to work with frail older adults or persons with disabilities.
The obstacles to such a job change were formidable. Maxine is hearing impaired, has not graduated from high school and has no STNA certificate. On the plus side, Maxine is an experienced caregiver with a passion for the work.
Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential (LEAP) went to work to help Maxine realize her dream. They designed and circulated a resume, conducted a job search and succeeded in setting up an interview with Visiting Angels, an agency providing assisted living to elderly persons. On October 3, 2007, Maxine interviewed with Visiting Angels. The interviewer reluctantly concluded that Maxine could not be placed as a nurse’s assistant due to her lack of credentials. However, the interviewer was so impressed with Maxine’s passion for assisting those who cannot help themselves that she put Maxine on the waiting list as a companion to older adults. In fact, the interviewer put Maxine’s name at the top of the list, ahead of current employees requesting that assignment.
On October 8th, Maxine was hired by Visiting Angels as a companion. A high school diploma is not necessary for the position and Maxine has no insensitive co-workers to contend with. Her halo is polished and her harp is in tune, as she goes quietly about the work she loves.
 Erika
What a difference finding the right employer can make! Erika, who struggles with a learning disability, worked for three years at a stable caring for horses. Despite her energy, willingness and great smile, she was often written up or suspended without pay. Erika would return home tired, discouraged and in tears, but by the next morning, she always pulled herself together and reported for work.
In July 2007, she was referred to Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential (LEAP) for placement services. After an interview with three supervisors, medical tests and other employment related tests, she gained employment at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation as an Animal Husbandry Technician in February 2008. By July, Erika had earned an Employee of the Month award from the Biological Resources Unit. Her tears are gone and her smile has made a permanent return.
Sometimes, it is the fourth time that is the charm. Alyssa, who has been diagnosed with autism, first came to Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential (LEAP) in August 2005. Her dream was to work in an electronics department because of her love of video games, movies and books.  LEAP staff helped her develop adult work behaviors, social interactions with co-workers and supervisors, ability to accept constructive criticism and overcome a math deficit that made working on a cash register quite challenging.
Alyssa was first hired by Suncoast Movies as a retail clerk. She gained skill in multi-tasking, self confidence and independent work behaviors. However, the position was a seasonal one and Alyssa’s position was eliminated. She was next hired at Game Shop as a Junior Game Advisor. Unfortunately, the employer would not allow a job coach to assist with Alyssa’s training. Her name eventually faded from the work schedule. Next, Alyssa was hired as a Sales Associate at Wal-Mart where she worked in the stationary and food departments with a hope of moving to the electronics department. Although Wal-Mart allowed the job coach to work with Alyssa, she did not retain the good work behaviors and often took longer breaks than allowed. She was eventually let go by Wal-Mart, a very upsetting event for Alyssa.
She discontinued placement services and instead began counseling services. When she returned to placement services, LEAP staff knew they had to find a smaller and very supportive work environment for her. Oberlin College Bookstore turned out to be the perfect match. Alyssa loves the job and her co-workers are very supportive of her. She is not their fastest worker, but she is one of their most accurate. Although it took four tries, LEAP staff succeeded in finding the perfect placement for Alyssa.
From flea market entrepreneur to cart cleaner at Angelica Textile in Lorain, Ohio, Harold, at age 62, gives witness to the fact that change is always possible. Change happens more easily if one has a job coach from Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential (LEAP).
For over 20 years, Harold supported himself by selling various items at flea markets. Although he had the advantage of establishing his own work hours and making his own decisions, the work provided no medical benefits for him. As his eyesight worsened due to macular degeneration, the need for health insurance became crucial.
With the help of his LEAP job coach, Harold learned new job duties, developed organizational skills and responds to his employer’s standards rather than his own.
Now at Angelica Textiles where he has been employed for the past nine months, Harold is not only fully insured, he has received three pay raises and proudly reports a perfect attendance record.
 When some of us think of troubles piling on, the Biblical Job comes to mind. Michael seems to walk in the footsteps of Job. At age 48, he was already coping with the challenges of cerebral palsy when he incurred a traumatic brain injury as the result of an auto accident. Other injuries included fractures of his sternum, spine and left wrist. One of the residual effects of Mike’s brain injury was impairment to his eye sight, reducing his ability to read and comprehend written information. With multiple forms of assistance from Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential’s (LEAP) Doris Brennan Center, Mike has dealt with a Social Security appeal, advocating for reasonable accommodation in his work place, accessing funds to ameliorate some of his debt, the need for a wheel chair ramp at his home, and his need for better nutrition.
LEAP staff submitted a request to the Homer Fund for monies to pay Mike’s back rent and other bills and for cash to cover the costs of the materials to build a wheel chair ramp. Almost $5000 was obtained from the Homer Fund. The labor will be provided at no cost by Sacred Hearts/Joshua Tree Program. LEAP staff assisted the law firm handling Mike’s Social Security appeal, resulting in an entirely favorable decision. They continue to work on coordination of services for the visually impaired that will help with Mike’s eventual return to work. Better nutrition has been obtained through the Food Bank. Like Job Mike may seem beaten but he is not down.
Sometimes the disabilities are too overwhelming and no matter how willing the potential worker may be, a job can not be found. Such was the case of Sean Ayers, age 28, who lives in Parma with his girlfriend and their one year old daughter. Sean has a mental disability that has impacted every job placement he has had through the Cuyahoga County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (CCBMR/DD).
Last August, Sean was referred to Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential (LEAP) by CCBMR/DD. LEAP staff assisted him with his social security application; helping him complete a phone interview. They accompanied him to the required medical appointments in November and December. LEAP staff talked to him on a regular basis to answer questions and to give him encouragement and support. In March of 2008, Sean was awarded Social Security benefits. He now feels proud to be a dad, contributing to the support of his family.
Alan, aka “Muscle Man,” is one of Quantum LEAP’s first participants since the program’s onset nearly 2 years ago. Alan is a young and vibrant 61 years old, but don’t let that fool you! To watch him participate in Quantum LEAP’s activities is  like watching a teenager! Alan has more energy and enthusiasm than most of us could barely match! Alan has signed up for nearly every activity that Quantum LEAP has ever offered. The smile on his face tells it all, he is having the time of his life! Whether it’s climbing up a 40 foot Rock Wall, taking a 3 mile hike with our Walking Club, or dancing the night away at a Quantum LEAP dance, Alan is in the Fun Zone, enjoying every moment with his Quantum LEAP friends!
The greatest success for Alan, besides making tons of new friends, is his weight loss. Alan never expected to see the results that we all have witnessed since he started getting very active in Quantum LEAP activities. Alan has lost to date 40 pounds and continues to strive for a life full of good health, wellness and fitness! Alan has changed his diet and exercise routine and his weekly dosage of healthy Quantum LEAP snacks of Spring Water, Chex Mix and Granola Bars has served him well in his active lifestyle.
Alan is excited about dancing the night away this October at the Quantum LEAP Halloween Dance, dressed in his favorite “Muscle Man” costume. The costume that won him the “Best Costume” award at last years’ Halloween Dance. Alan is hoping to make it “Back to Back” wins in 2008!
Meredith was referred to the Linking Employment, Abilities & Potential (LEAP) Benefits Planning, Assistance & Outreach (BPA&O) program by the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission (ORSC). Meredith’s primary disability is spinal muscular atrophy type 2. Meredith receives $579 in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and is eligible for Medicaid. She has the use of a power wheelchair and has thirty-five hours of in-home care assistance, which is provided through the homecare waiver she receives. When we met Meredith was attending Cleveland State University and in the process of completing her Master’s Degree in Social Work. She was serving an internship at the ORSC during the time of our meeting and is expected to completer her degree. Meredith’s goal was to secure employment with the ORSC or some other agency where she could utilize her degree. Meredith informed me that the starting salary for her position was 40K full time. She was interested in the benefits analysis to obtain information about how working would affect not only her SSI but more importantly her Medicaid and waiver. She was concerned that she would still have medical coverage until she was able to secure employment as her medical needs are extensive. Meredith will be working at a level where she will not receive her SSI cash benefit and eventually be self-sufficient. Meredith did assign her Ticket to Work to the ORSC.
The word, “adapt,” may be the most important expression in Lita Townsend’s vocabulary. When faced with arthritis and  rheumatism that cause pain in her legs, back, forearms and wrists, job-hunting became a hurdle. Lita contacted the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, who then contacted Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential (LEAP) where Michael Moats did an assessment of her needs. He and Lita concurred that three key adaptations would make it possible for her to do some telecommunication work from home. With funding from the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, Michael ordered an ergonomic keyboard, a special trackball and an automatically adjustable-height desk.
The keyboard allows Lita’s fingers to rest at a downward angle and keeps her wrists in a neutral position. The mouse is a standard four-button trackball that allows for automatic double clicks and a more comfortable drag-and-drop process. By using a control switch underneath the desk tabletop, Lita can electronically raise the desk and can then work while seated in her wheelchair or from a standing position. These are important alternatives that relieve her pain.
Lita was recently hired by a company offering home-based employment where she will be using a telephone and her adaptive devices to communicate with customers and with her employer.
A summer job can sometimes open doors to new skills, responsibilities and perhaps future employment. When DeAngelo Ward, a senior at Glenville High School, began his second year in the Job Link Summer Work Experience at the Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center-Brecksville, an additional task was added to his duties of stocking and restocking inventory in the retail store, assisting customers and making deliveries.
He became a peer coach for another student who was periodically assigned to the store to assess his skills and to gain insight into what type of work he enjoyed. DeAngelo directed his fellow student’s tasks and insured that he received appropriate peer support. Not only did he lead, instruct and provide assistance to his peer, DeAngelo effectively communicated with the young man who seldom speaks with anyone. DeAngelo accomplished all of these assignments while dealing with his own developmental disability.
Linking Education, Abilities and Potential (LEAP) staff provide year-round life skills and employability skills training for De Angelo. They will work with him through job development services upon his graduation from high school. Job Link opened the door for DeAngelo, but he is the one who had the incentive to walk through it.
Chris’s unusual ability to arrange files numerically and alphabetically with remarkable accuracy and speed makes him a great asset at the Cleveland Veterans’ Administration Medical Center (VAMC), where he volunteers in the Medical  Records department. His incredible talent might have remained undiscovered without the involvement of staff at LEAP where Chris participated in Job Link, a United Way funded program. Due to his deafness and autistic-like characteristics, Chris required the training and support of his Job Link Program Coordinator to develop strategies for effective communication and gain employability skills needed to be successful in a work environment. “Chris is like a calculator,” says Homell Calhoun, his supervisor at the VA. “His abilities are amazing. He’ll surprise you with the volume of work he can perform and how quickly he learns to do new things. Chris is more accurate than some machines. And he’s such a good kid too.” Chris’ goal was to obtain paid employment using these skills and abilities. Although there were no positions available in the Medical Records department, the VAMC hired Chris in a newly developed position in Medical Supply. Christopher began his new position as a Medical Supply Aid in February 2007 where he has exceeded his supervisor’s expectations for performance.
David credits his transition team composed of his high school, his family, Cleveland Sight Center, The Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired and Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential’s (LEAP’s) High School/High Tech Program in helping him to meet the bench marks he set for himself. His goals included exploring career choices, determining appropriate colleges, identifying assistive technology to serve his work and college needs and working part-time while still in high school.
As a senior at Cleveland Heights High School, David jumped at the opportunities developed through High School/High Tech, including being part of a four-week internship with Best Buy’s Geek Squad, the in-store support center for consumers with computer problems, where he gained valuable technology support skills. He learned to utilize Magic 9 (screen enlarging software), Window’s magnifier and a portable battery operated magnifier. Validating his skills, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry (LMM) hired David as a technical support specialist where his duties include providing technical support, troubleshooting, installing computer hardware and software. He is also responsible for computer orientation for a staff of 200 located at ten different offices. David continues to work part-time for LMM while attending college.
David most recently completed an internship secured by High School/High Tech with Affiliated Computer Services (ACS), a firm which provides training for Ernst and Young employees. ACS brought David on as an intern to research and provide technical assistance in the creation of virtual classrooms in Second Life. An immense virtual world, Second Life currently touts 15 million users and reports that $1.5 million in real money is traded everyday on their site. This computerized world is now frequently being used by national and international corporations to promote their companies
and help their employees stay connected and informed. David’s responsibilities while at ACS included researching other corporation sites, such as Dell Corp. or CNN, creating a PowerPoint presentation explaining his research, offering advice on future building in Second Life and building prototypes of learning environments. David’s supervisors were so impressed with his work in Second Life, his professional attitude and his enthusiasm to help them design their site that they have asked David to continue to advise them as they begin to implement many of the ideas that he developed.
David will attend Cuyahoga Community College in the fall for IT and Audio Technology and hopes to transfer to Kent State University upon finishing his coursework at Tri-C. David also expressed interest in continuing his involvement with High School/High Tech by volunteering as a peer mentor for future participants.
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