Tracey Knox and Isa Divine are just two examples of the win-win benefits of employment for individuals with disabilities. Knox, pictured top left, has been working for Gabe's department store in the Coventry Mall since it opened last spring. Divine, pictured bottom left, has been working at Goodwill for just over a year. During October, National Disabilities Employment Month, we highlight their employment experiences.
Working 20 hours a week in the fitting room of the department store has given Knox the opportunity to hone her customer service and organizational skills. It has also given her more freedom to shop for her own clothes, and go to the mall food court with her friend. Knox noted that if she did not have her job, she would probably be spending more time at home, feeling lonely, so the social connections she's developed can't be under-estimated. They are an important and enjoyable part of her job experience.
Divine, who says he loves working at Goodwill, is a graduate of the Chester County Intermediate Unit Project SEARCH program, held at Phoenixville Hospital.
Since he began working part-time, he's increased his hours and has the goal of reaching full-time status. That will help him achieve his other goals to independence, getting his own apartment and a car.
Both Knox and Divine get high marks from their employers too.
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