Ramon Avitia at the entrance of Legoland California
“My favorite part of the work is interacting with guests and making sure they’re having a fun time here at LEGOLAND,” said Model Citizen Cole West. “I just try to be very helpful.”
Cole is one of two Project SEARCH graduates now working at the southern California amusement park. The program, run locally by Options for All, supports young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they gain hands-on experience in different workplaces. Both Cole and fellow graduate Ramon Avitia completed their paid internships at LEGOLAND before becoming part of the team.
Each participant spends nine months learning in different departments, developing real-world skills in areas such as customer service, teamwork, and communication. Interns are compensated for the time they spent at the worksite through the Work Experience program funded by Department of Rehabilitation. Project SEARCH aims to prepare each person for competitive, integrated employment. This means jobs where people with or without disabilities work side by side and earn fair pay.
Cole inside a shop in Legoland California
At LEGOLAND, Cole worked in retail assisting guests in finding the best LEGOs to buy, while Ramon spent time both in the park’s retail shops and at SEA LIFE Aquarium. Managers who worked with them say both brought enthusiasm to their roles and continue to grow.
“Everyone has something valuable to contribute,” said Killian Carver, Operations Manager at LEGOLAND. “They’ve taught me to slow down and listen more, and that encouragement goes a long way to break through barriers.”
Programs like Project SEARCH benefit not only the participants but also the companies that host them. “I’ve witnessed how Project SEARCH not only empowers participants but transforms workplace culture,” said Rachel Holiday, Director of Business Development at Options for All. “Watching [employers] discover the joy and fulfillment that comes from working alongside our clients, seeing their teams become more inclusive and empathetic, and hearing them share how much their workplace culture has improved, that’s powerful.”
Across San Diego County, Project SEARCH is creating opportunities for more people with disabilities to build meaningful careers, with additional sites at the San Diego Zoo and a new location in Imperial Valley, at Forever Green Farms, in partnership with The Becoming Project.
Ramon enjoys assisting guests, whether they speak English or Spanish, to find their way around the park. He also likes interacting with guests while showing them sea anemones at the touchpools.
“I’ve become more independent, by helping people who need my help,” said Ramon.
Both Ramon and Cole, whose favorite LEGOLAND ride is the Technic Coaster, say they enjoy sharing their enthusiasm for LEGOs with visitors every day.
Experiences like theirs show what’s possible when workplaces welcome everyone’s talent.