By Dirkse CC Staf
Have you ever honked or waved at the individuals holding signs in front of SuperPlay on Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway? If so, you just might have made their day! Both D J Brewster and Wesley Grawburg faithfully wave the large sign designed to draw attention to the recently remodeled Bowling, Lazer Tag Arcade. As individuals who experience disability, they appreciate the opportunity to work and have their first job doing something they enjoy.
D J Brewster is a 25 year old who grew up in Beaverton, appreciates music and loves to sing. He did not let his visual impairment or Asperger’s Syndrome (a form of Autism) get in the way of his career goals. With assistance from Dirkse Counseling and Consulting, Inc., an agency specializing in connecting job seekers with disabilities to local employers and The Oregon Commission for The Blind (OCB) they helped D J fulfill his goal. The mission of the OCB is to “Empower Oregonians who are blind or have low vision to Fully Engage in Life”. D J is supported by The OCB, Dirkse CC Employment Specialists and Job Coaches and was recently quoted as saying, “I love my job, I love my life!”
Wesley Grawburg is a 22 year old from Beaverton with a visual impairment and a developmental disability. When Superplay Owner Terry Pierce was approached by Dirkse CC he was open to hiring the right candidate for the job. The Dirkse CC team recommended The OCB “Progressive Employment” (PE) model. PE is available to any OCB client and involves activities such as a company tour, an informational interview, job shadow, work assessment and potentially a trial work experience that may or may not lead to a hire. After the PE program was completed, both candidates were hired. Terry shared “we have had 4 parties booked this month because of the sign holders”. Wesley indicated, “It’s my first job and I enjoy holding the sign”, Terry and the bosses are great. I am glad they gave me this job and I like getting cars to honk!”
To learn more about becoming a diverse and inclusive employer, contact Cindy Bahl at 503-258-7715 (cindy@dirksecc.com)
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