Sometimes it helps to hear it from someone who’s traveled the path you’re on. Our research team, with the support of agency staff, conducted interviews with individuals, families, support staff and leadership across Indiana to gather insights into what it takes to transition successfully from working in a sheltered workshop to being competitively employed in the community.
Individual Employment Stories
Brandon
Brandon, a dedicated worker, spent 14 years in a sheltered workshop but dreamed of community employment. With support from his case manager, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), an employment specialist, and a job coach, he secured positions at Ryan’s Restaurant and Hearthside Bakery, gaining valuable experience before facing layoffs. Undeterred, Brandon landed a job at Big Lots.
Cruz
Cruz values meaningful work and independence. He spent time in a sheltered workshop but later transitioned to a role at a cookie factory. After facing layoffs, he found a grocery store job, initially in the meat department but transitioned to bagging, finding it more fulfilling. He overcame job loss, initial misplacement, and transportation hurdles with a positive attitude. His adaptability was key to his success.
Jack
Jack is a 49-year-old man with a desire for independence and a career in factory machinery. With the Vocational Rehabilitation and Benchmark team’s guidance, he is working towards obtaining a GED and soft-skill development at a fast-food restaurant.
Justin
Justin lost his job at a sheltered workshop during the Covid pandemic. Arc Evansville's employment program helped him land a new job at Cintas where he sorts hangers and builds meaningful relationships with his coworkers.
Kevin
Kevin's remarkable progress from sheltered work to integrated employment underscores the power of self-determination and dedicated community support. With the combined support of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Cardinal Agency, he's not only gaining valuable workplace experience but also laying a strong foundation for future success by pursuing his GED and enhancing his reading and financial literacy.
Laney
Laney's journey from sheltered work to integrated employment is a testament to the power of community and personal connections. With the encouragement and guidance of her parents, she found a fulfilling job that aligns with her interests and allows her to build meaningful relationships with her coworkers.
Matt
Matt, at 41, has transformed his life, finding purpose in meaningful work after leaving a sheltered workshop. Today, he thrives as a team member at Arc Industries. His story highlights the importance of resilience and commitment to giving back
Roy
Roy found his ideal job at McDonald's after working at sheltered workshops, Goodwill, Tractor Supply, and many restaurants. His VR counselor and job coach have ensured he has reliable transportation and reasonable workplace accommodations.
Ruthie
Ruthie, a resident at Arc Southwest's supported living program, disliked her sheltered workshop job. Now she enjoys cleaning rooms at a nursing home. While she finds dealing with difficult residents challenging, she is learning to cope with it and aspires for a future job in cooking.
Ryan
Ryan transitioned from a sheltered workshop environment to working two part-time roles in the agricultural industry. His long-term goals include securing full-time employment and independent living.
Sandy B.
Sandy B., known for her cheerful disposition and polite demeanor, transitioned from a long-term sheltered workshop to finding fulfilling work at Chore Time Brock (CTB). The workshop's closure led her to explore competitive integrated employment, an opportunity she hadn't previously considered.
Sandy H.
Sandy H. transitioned from a sheltered workshop to a role at Chore Time Brock (CTB), assembling poultry systems with support. She values routine and finds contentment in her work, highlighting the success of supported employment.
Shaun
Shaun, driven by a desire to help others, has overcome past setbacks to excel at Metronet. He dreams of becoming a Direct Support Professional, showcasing his resilience and leadership. With support from mentors and a strong sense of purpose, he's determined to achieve his goals.
Stacey
Stacey likes her social job and other activities. While she explored a sheltered workshop job, she decided it was not a good fit for her. She prefers a job in the community that pays at least minimum wage. This shows the importance of informed choice, individualized planning, and personal goals.
Terry
Terry successfully transitioned from a sheltered workshop to a job he loves at Pizza Hut. Within four years he has gained supportive coworkers, a flexible work schedule, and continuous career development.
Tim B.
Tim B. transitioned from a sheltered workshop to community employment driven by his desire for a more integrated work experience. With the support of Vocational Rehabilitation, Tim B. chose an agency that offered the support of a job coach who helped him secure a job at the YMCA.
Tim M.
Tim M. enjoys staying active and busy, which he didn’t experience at his previous job at a sheltered workshop. After his time in sheltered work, Tim M. found a new job at Aramark, a local food vendor that provides cafeteria services to the nearby Toyota factory.
William
William is a 55-year-old man working towards his personal and employment goals. Recently, he fulfilled a long-time dream by traveling to California with Exceptional Travelers, where he explored Warner Bros. Studios and immersed himself in the world of his favorite stories. With support from a Paladin job coach, he now works at Brentwood Assisted Living Center.
Thank you to these individuals for sharing their experiences.
Individual Employment Videos
These video stories feature Hoosiers with disabilities who have successfully transitioned into community jobs.
Linzy
After graduating with her class, Linzy completed a community transition program that has been placing 18-21 year olds in a variety of paid work experiences. Linzy, who lives with her mother, independently uses both the public bus system and a dial-a-ride service that takes her around town and to her music lessons.
Dallas
In addition to working as a landscape assistant at a golf course, Dallas loves lifting weights at a local gym. He lives with his mother and father who help with transportation, but he also uses a transportation service set up through an area disability service provider. Dallas recently purchased a new home gym, which he single-handedly assembled in his basement.