A Colorado Springs nonprofit helps people with disabilities succeed at work
AbleLight coaches help people with developmental disabilities write resumes, practice interviews, and settle into a job. Georgie, a spa concierge for more than two years, now asks for new tasks.
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The reporting lives at KKTV 11 News. Our summary is checked against it, and we link it on every story.
AbleLight in Colorado Springs walks people with developmental disabilities through a job search and then stays for the work itself, KKTV reported. Coaches help with resumes, applications, interview practice, and support once someone is hired. Manager Sherree Perez said the first step is an assessment of skills, goals, and what support a person wants.
Georgie, who asked that her last name not be used, has been a spa concierge for more than two years, greeting guests and keeping the place in order. The station said she has grown confident enough to ask for new tasks. Perez said transportation and employer worries still block a lot of people. She said many accommodations cost little, and that a coach can answer the questions a new workplace is afraid to ask.
For the classroom
AbleLight is a nonprofit in Colorado Springs that helps people with developmental disabilities find jobs. Coaches help with resumes, applications, interviews, and the first weeks at work. They start by asking what someone is good at and what kind of job they want. Georgie, who did not want her last name used, has been a spa concierge for more than two years. She welcomes guests and helps keep the place organized. She has grown confident enough to ask for new tasks. Manager Sherree Perez said some employers worry that hiring will be expensive. She said many supports cost very little, and a coach can stay nearby while someone learns the job.
- What part of getting a job is harder than the work itself?
- Why would a coach stay after someone is hired?
- How could a workplace change one small thing so more people can do the job?
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