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The Clarington/Courtice Independent, Bowmanville, Saturday, November 20,1996 Page 23 Work Wanted: Individuals With Developmental Disabilities Looking for Jobs in the Clarington Community by Laura J. Richards Staff Writer Terri McCabe helps developmental^ developmental^ disabled individuals individuals find jobs and then goes to work with her clients to teach them how to do their jobs. "I get down and dirty with my clients, if needed," McCabe said, recently during an interview. interview. McCabe is a Community Options Program Employment Support Worker with the Oshawa/Clarington Association for Community Living. Since January, she has been working with clients from the Clarington area exclusively. "I teach them the steps to do the work and the social skills they lack," she said. In essence, "the employer trains me along with the employee," McCabe explained. Then, she trains the employee employee by breaking down the job into pieces that will be easier for the client to Ieam and remember. She will work with the person for however long as it takes. But that isn't all McCabe does. She meets with develop- mentally disabled individuals and their families to help find out what their interests and skill levels are. "I help define what they want and what they are good at," she explained. Also, she helps them examine examine their options. "It could be training and a job -- for experience or pay- Reservations fresh Market Cuisine Licensed by LLBO (905) 623-8772 • Lunch 11:30 or 1:30 • Dinner 4:30 or 6:30 • Special Kids } Menu • Non-smoking restaurant 73 King St. West Bowmanville Wheelchair Accessible e ,. ing, or volunteer work," McCabe said. Some people in the beginning beginning want to work as a stock- keeper in a grocery store or to work with animals. "They look at the people putting stock on the shelves and say T can do that -- how much work could there be, putting a couple of cans on the shelves?" McCabe noted, when reality sets in, "they realize there is a lot more to the job." It is the skill level of an individual individual which determines if a job he or she might wish for can be obtained. McCabe also noted that none of the veterinary veterinary clinics will take people who are not specifically trained. No matter what task is chosen, chosen, McCabe is there to help the client through it. "I'm available from the start and will be there until the employee and employer feel comfortable," she said. At this time, she supports 25 clients who range in age from students who will be graduating graduating from high school this year to much older individuals. individuals. "I work with people until they're aged 65," she said. While she does a lot of work preparing her clients for the work place, it is hard to find jobs for them. However, she observed that "this community has been very warm." Some of the employers who have opened up their ranks to developmentally disabled individuals individuals are: Strathaven Lifecare Centre, Knox Christian School, Manhiem's Auction Centre, Dr. Emily Stowe Public School, Ontario St. Public School, and Grief Containers. "One of my goals is to have the entire community know who we are. My ultimate goal is to have all employers give me a call before they put out the call to fill a job," McCabe said. "In Oshawa, Beaver Lumber SKILLS TRAINING -- Terri McCabe points out a missed spot on a window for local resident Wayne Kellett. Kellett is one of the many people McCabe supports in her role as a Community Options Program Employment Support Worker with the Oshawa/Clarington Association of Community Living. Currently, Kellett is brushing up on his janitorial skills at Strathaven Lifecare Centre. He's getting ready for what he hopes will turn into a paid job later in the yêar. calls us first. Currently, we have two individuals working there as general labourers." At the moment, McCabe is looking for office space in Clarington and is looking at the downtown core of Bowmanville as a central location. location. While McCabe has been working with those she supports, supports, she has also been making •presentations to various business business owners in the community. She needs to find out where the jobs are happening in order to be of better use to her clients. Through the networking, she has been helping to show people that individuals who are developmentally disabled want to work. "They don't want to spend their days watching the 'Dukes of Hazzard,' they want to be out in their community volunteering or working for pay." If you can help Terri McCabe to find work for any of the developmentally disabled individuals she works with, call her at 576-3011 extension 342. 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From 4 p.m, - 8 p.m. Order One Entrée Get 2nd One 50% Off WITH THIS COUPON ONLY UNTIL SUN., MAY 11TH, 1997 For Reservations call 1-905-432-2960 Port Darlington èlMarina Hotel Unique Waterfront Setting ÇoÛt U& fol 'P Brunch 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausages, French Toast, Waffles, Home Fries, Perogies, Chicken, Ribs, Ham, Meatballs, Vegetables, Salad Bar, Rolls, Butter, Apple and Orange Juice, Tea, Coffee. $10.95 plus taxes for Adults $5.95 plus taxes for Children under 10 years Family Evening Buffet Menu 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Beef sliced from the Roast, Sliced Turkey, Ham, Spare Ribs, Chicken, Pork, Potato, Vegetables, Salad Bar, Rolls, Butter and Dessert Table, Coffee, Tea. $14.95 plus taxes for Adults $7.50 plus taxes for Children under 10 years Reservations Required - 623-4925 70 Port Darlington Road Bowmanville Durham College President Addresses Writers' Circle On Saturday, May 10, 1997, the Writers' Circle of Durham Region will hold its 2nd Annual General Meeting at 9:00 a.m. at Jackson's Touch of Class, 104 Consumers Drive, Whitby. The keynote speaker will be Gary Polonsky, President of Durham College. A member of The Writers' Circle of Durham Region, Mr. Polonsky will speak about the active role of Durham College and the University Centre in the writing profession, and will also share his own personal writing experience. Interested members of the general public arc welcome to attend. Contact Marjorie Green at (905) 686-2085. GOLDEN 143 Duke Street, Bowmanville Ific flying Dutchman flotd (90S) 623-3373/ (888) 46S-3509 Mother's Pay - Sunday, May 11,1997i? BUFFET BRUNCH 9:OOa.m. -2:30 p.m. Featuring: breakfast items, baked goods, juices hearty salads, pasta dish, delicious desserts $ &99 per person •Children under 4 FREE •Children $4.49 (5-10 years) •Senior Citizens: 10% discount •No coupons 1 *0ne private room (please reserve) available for 25-30 people and 10% discount TAXES AND GRATUITIES NOT INCLUDED FREE PARKING Licensed LLBO ^ .. .or indulge your Mom and treat her to a CARVED ROAST SEEF DINNER 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. $ 9.99 per person •Children $4.99 (5-10 years) Senior Citizens: 10% discount ■No coupons' unf ret} ' Wider 4 Tree <oj.p.