Left to right: Sue Pelbath, Chief Programs Officer, Department of Rehabilitation; Kim Johnson, Secretary, California Health and Human Services Agency; Pete Cervinka, Director, Department of Developmental Services; Kim Rutledge, Director, Department of Rehabilitation; Victor Duron. Chief Deputy Director, Department of Rehabilitation; Elizabeth Campos, Disability Talent Liaison, Human Resources, Disability Rights California; Dante Allen, Deputy Director, Office of Legislation and Communication, Department of Rehabilitation; Arlene Chacon, Inclusive Program Lead with Talent Acquisition, People, Services, and Strategies, SMUD
“It turns out that I’m not as socially awkward as some would put it, but I actually do like working with a team,” said Michael Girdler, an office specialist at the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD).
That’s something Michael has learned about himself while working at SMUD. In his nearly two years at SMUD, Michael has worked in customer service, meter replacement, and education.
Michael is one of 6 people who started in SMUD’s employment program and later landed official roles. Other participants have gained paid work experience and learned skills they can use in future jobs.
“It just gives me something to do, and it just gets me out of the house, and it allows me to work towards a common goal and to help out,” said Michael. “As well as being able to receive a paycheck.”
On Oct. 20, SMUD was recognized for creating job opportunities for Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Department presented the certificate along with the Department of Rehabilitation and Disability Rights California during a National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebration. SMUD was recommended for this recognition by several community partners, including Alta California Regional Center, the UC Mind Institute and Disability Rights California.
SMUD takes part in California’s Paid Internship Program. The program gives people receiving regional center services a chance to earn money, build skills and explore careers.
“Every participant represents an opportunity, and every department participation helps expand inclusion across our organization,” said SMUD’s Director of People Services & Strategies Muguet Cochran. “Ultimately our goal is to normalize disability as an important part of our workforce diversity.”
SMUD continues to expand its program. The utility company also is exploring opportunities to expand their program to include students at the high school level and creating pathways for participants to learn trade skills.
“The benefits of inclusive employment are too numerous to mention,” said California Health and Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson. “The benefits are like a ripple effect across an organization in bringing a positive culture to work environments.”
Kevin O. Mack works with SMUD’s Sustainable Communities initiative. Through this program, SMUD works with local nonprofits and community groups on clean energy and neighborhood projects.
“It feels wonderful to know I am making a difference in my city,” Kevin said. “It’s always been a goal of mine to improve our community. Thanks to Sustainable Communities, I’m doing it one nonprofit at a time.”
Tanner Caro, another office specialist, has worked at SMUD for about a year. He enters data and uses computer programs such as Microsoft Excel. “I love this job because of the people here. Everybody’s positive, and it’s just a great place to work,” Tanner said.
Many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities still face barriers to finding jobs. Employers, like SMUD, and community partners can work together to create more opportunities.
“We’re really thrilled how [SMUD] put all the pieces that government makes available in all of its little corners together in one program,” said Department Director Pete Cervinka.
SMUD’s experience shows that when employers open their doors to people with disabilities, they gain valuable employees, and more people get the chance to build careers and greater independence.
Visit www.dds.ca.gov/work to learn more about employment services and programs.