The first thing you notice about CJ is her smile. When I met her at her place of work in the Old Navy fitting room, to ask her a couple of questions about her job, I couldn’t recall the last time I met with someone who was enjoying their job as much as she seemed to.

        She’s the first one to let you know how much she enjoys her job, and she’s a really hard worker. In the few minutes we chatted, each customer that came in to try something on, she greeted with a smile and helped them to the fitting room, and as they left, reminded them to have a spectacular day. Spectacular is one of her favorite words, as it reminds her of her favorite cat.  

        CJ is one of over 85 people that Community Vision has been able to find work through our Employment Connections program. The full-time team of six in  Employment Connections work to connect people with developmental and physical disabilities in and around Portland with meaningful employment that fits their abilities and interests. We work one on one from first meeting them, to participating in the job interviews, and then side by side training for as long as they need to be successful.

        When we first started looking for a job for CJ she shared that she wanted to work somewhere that played really good music, as she loves dancing and good tunes. Old Navy turned out to be an excellent connection, as not only does it play “amazing music” as CJ puts it, but she gets to work hard and interact with people.  

        “When we saw how well she did one on one with customers, we knew the fitting room would work for her”, said her manager. “To work with CJ is pretty fun. She has a really great personality; you see it bloom and customers get that one-on-one experience they are looking for. “

        Eventually CJ wants to pick up more hours, and it is her next goal to save up enough money for a full body spa. For now, she seems content to be working hard and making everyone’s day a little bit better.

        "Hi my name is Chad. I work at Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton. I want to thank the Assistive Technology (AT) Lab and Vocational Rehab for helping me get a communication device. I use sign language but not everyone understands me. At work now, I can use my new communication device. I also want to thank the AT Lab for working with Ryan Farrow at Nike to help advise Nike’s Supported Employment Program. I think more businesses should support employees with disabilities to find work in their companies."

        Chad is one of almost 100 people our Assistive Technology team met with for a consultation last year. After we helped him to figure out which sort of communication device would work best for him, he found that Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation would even pay for it. You can contact the AT Lab to set up your own consultation, along with trainings, free loan closet, or to learn about our work within the community and business partners. 

         My name is Heidi, and I am the newest member of the Housing Access Team.

        In my new role, I partner with individuals with disabilities, and their families, to find affordable and accessible housing to call home. Taking on some of these responsibilities allows my teammates, Allen and Tova, to dedicate more of their time and talents to advocate for affordable housing and connecting people with disabilities with services and resources in the community.

        Next time you are at the CV office, stop by and say “hi,” we love to talk about housing!