October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. It is a time to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities and celebrate individual talents. Across California, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities bring different abilities, experiences, and perspectives to our workplaces. When employers recognize what each person has to offer, everyone benefits.
At Phenix Fire Helmets, Rainier Ewan Thorn helps make helmets for firefighters and first responders. He shows a natural ability for working with mechanical equipment, learns quickly, and pays close attention to every detail of his work.
“I like to work in the liner to attach to the leather fire helmet,” said Rainier.
Phenix Fire Helmets is Rainier’s first job. He joined the company through a 12-week work experience program through Opportunity for All that gave him time to learn the job and get comfortable in a new environment.
“He came in with a lot of skills that people don’t see,” said Albert Esqueda, production lead at Phenix. “He can work like six, seven different positions, and he does them very well, very meticulous, very clean.”
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. It is a time to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities and celebrate individual talents. Across California, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities bring different abilities, experiences, and perspectives to our workplaces. When employers recognize what each person has to offer, everyone benefits.
For Rainier, having a job also means greater independence.
“I enjoy earning money and learn how to pay for my hobbies and foods on my own,” said Rainier. “More freedom for me to be proud of.”
Watch Rainier at work and hear why Albert calls him a “rock star.”
Learn more about the Department’s employment services at www.dds.ca.gov/work