WorkAbility Program Puts Students,
Alumni to Work
BY GAIL MATSUNAGA
From Dateline (May 6, 2004)
Students and alumni with physical or learning
disabilities are successfully finding jobs thanks to the WorkAbility
IV program. Currently in its seventh year, WorkAbility IV is funded
with a $97,825 grant from the California Department of Rehabilitation.
Program services include workshops, individual counseling,
job development tailored to skills and education experience, and
a weekly job search support group.
Ninety students and alumni with mobility/physical
impairments, learning disabilities and functional disabilities are
participating this year.
Among those who have benefited from WorkAbility IV
is alumna Linnea Schamber (B.S. human services ’02), who works
as a program instructor at Orange County ARC – a county organization
that serves people with disabilities, providing broad-based support
services, outreach and employment opportunities.
“Leslie [Broyhill, WorkAbility IV job developer]
found this one for me,” says Schamber. “Even though
I, too, was looking for employment, she would find jobs I had never
heard about. I know I could not pay to have a better service than
what was provided by her.
“I am a one-on-one instructor,” she continues.
“I have a client who has multiple sclerosis and is wheelchair-bound.
I plan activities and make sure the days have meaning. It is so
me.”
Schamber is finishing her master’s degree in
behavioral science – gerontology option – from CSU Dominguez
Hills. Ultimately, she wants to continue working with disabled adults.
Her current employer has expressed interest in her joining the administrative
ranks.
For more information on the WorkAbility Program,
go to www.fullerton.edu/workability/index.htm.
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