EMPLOYMENT FIRST!
Core Services is an Employment First agency. The Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) defines Employment First as the following; “Employment First means that employment in the general workforce should be the first and preferred option for individuals with disabilities receiving assistance from publicly-funded systems. Simply put, Employment First means real jobs for real wages.”
Want to learn more? Click on the link below to read APSE’s Fact Sheet on Employment First:
EMPLOYERS - WHY HIRE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY?
You are hiring ability!
You are hiring ability! Simply put people with IDD are people with varied skills and ability. The simplest reason is they might bring the exact skill you are looking for!
People with IDD often get creative in how to accomplish a task. They bring innovation to your workplace.
A person with a disability brings a different perspective to the workforce. You might just be inviting a fresh view of your business.
Studies show that a person with a disability tends to take fewer days off and less sick leave than their co-workers. Not only that but they generally less likely to get into work related accidents.
It is the right thing to do!
Your job, taken for granted by another applicant, will be a life changed for the person with IDD. People with IDD are often overlooked in the world of employment. Many people with IDD will tell you that getting a job was one of the proudest and happiest days of their life.
One in four American’s have a disability. Hiring a person with a disability allows your workforce to more accurately represent the community.
It is easier than you think. A person supported by Core Services is going to come with a job coach, so if they need assistance as they learn their job you are getting two people for the cost of one.
Be a champion for your company values!
Hiring a person with IDD is a great way to boost morale and create a sense of community and good will. It shows that as an employer you care and champions your values.
According to Forbes, millennials prefer to spend their money on companies and brands with “pro-social messages”. Openly championing inclusion speaks that message loud and clear.
It is just good PR?
Ability at Work!
Allan
Allan began working at the Gray Food City in December of 2018. He has received Associate of the Month, been promoted to Head Bagger and has been recognized for perfect attendance during the pandemic year of 2020! Allan brings a great sense of pride to work as well as a strong work ethic. Allan’s duties include bagging groceries, sanitizing carts and returning carts from the parking lot.
Rosa
Rosa has been employed at Food City for the past three years. Rosa has received the perfect attendance award. Rosa began by bagging groceries but her duties and responsibilities have steadily increased.
Alex
Alex joined the Core family in 2023 and has been impressing everyone with his talents. Alex for the first time in his life lives independently with technology supports, is a proficient user of public transportation and is a rising star on his job at Lowes.
Carl
Carl has worked many different jobs throughout his life but his favorite has been his job at Lowes in Bristol. Prior to this job, he had worked at a manufacturing plant and fast food but he has shown a real ability for customer services at Lowes. Carl enjoys his job of keeping the sales area and products clean for customers. Carl has also been designated to curbside services as well.
Bradley
Bradley began working at Lowes in Elizabethton after coming from a job in fast food. Bradley began with cleaning up the sales area and overflow lot. He quickly began getting more and more job duties to where he now has his own section on the sales floor.
Joe
Joe is employed by Lowe’s in Jonesborough where he works independently with remote supports. Joe is an AiMs Self Advocate Mentor and assists personnel from TN DIDD teaching self-advocacy skills to other. Joe is an accomplished Special Olympic Athlete who has competed across the country.
Wayne
Wayne began working at McDonalds in Erwin in April of 2017. Wayne has proven himself as an outstanding employee. He rarely misses work and brings a great attitude to his job. Wayne was an essential employee throughout the pandemic maintaining the cleanliness of all public areas of the restaurant.
Anita receiving a 2023 Technology Trailblazer Award from TN DIDD Commissioner Brad Turner
Anita
Anita received her first job after the age of 50. Anita works at Taco Bell where she performs a variety of duties. Anita is as proud of her employment as she is the technology she uses at work to be independent.
Justin
Justin began at Lowes in Johnson City in January of 2020. Justin had a previous job as a stocker at Dollar General in Greeneville. He chose to have a job closer to his home. Justin enjoys been around the tools and lumber and really enjoys helping others. Justin has assisted with loading vehicles, finding products, assisting customers and selling installations.
