Sharing the experiences of people with disabilities working in the community helps to change expectations about what is possible! If you would like to share your story, please contact Molly Cooney at molly.cooney@wisconsin.gov or at 608-266-0266
Featured Videos
People with disabilities are capable of meaningful jobs – PSA (Camp Createability)
Jump! Start Partnership Supporting Employment First (Headwaters, Inc. and Nicolet College)
Employment First with James Edming 2018 (Medford Area Senior High)
Employment First Initiative and Legislation 2018 (Medford Area Senior High)
Giving Hope a Place to Work (Waukesha Independence Network)
Expect, Employ, Empower (Lakeside Curative)
Wisconsin Employment First – Medford Community 2016 (Medford Area Senior High)
Wisconsin Employment First – Overview 2017 (Medford Area High School)
Related Videos
‘Find Your Niche’ by National APSE
‘Making a Living’ by WI Pathways to Independence (MIG) and Nancy Christy
A Parent’s Perspective with Brian Young by National APSE
Let’s Get to Work PSA by Stoughton High School
Let’s Get to Work Employer PSA by Holmen High School
Milwaukee Employment First Community Action Team PSA
‘Pathways to Independence’ Wisconsin Community Rehabilitation Programs making changes to support integrated employment outcomes
Lessons in Leadership from the Dancing Guy
Written Stories
Curtis is a 17 year old Oconomowoc high school student. Curtis’s teacher helped him get a job at First Bank and as for the school grounds maintenance department during the summer months. Read More about Curtis
Charlotte is working toward a career in the restaurant business. Her first job at Blue Devil Grill in Manitowoc has helped her build the skills and confidence she needs for the future. Read More about Charlotte
Dane is a student at Luxemburg-Casco High School. He is a very proud and valuable employee of the Bank of Luxemburg. When Dane talks about his job, his fondness for co-workers and his dedication to the bank is obvious. Read More about Dane
Mike is a student at Ocononmowoc High School. He works for Engine Power pre-assembles box motors. His teacher found him this job because of his strong interest in small engines. Read More about Mike
Thao Xiong has been a valued employee at Red Eye Brewery in Wausau since 2010. Governor Scott Walker visited him at his job this past year. Read More about Thao Xiong
Robert and Jennifer shared their employment experiences with their legislators during a recent Take Your Legislator to Work event. Read More about Robert and Jennifer
Adam, owner of Adamcan Recycling, has carved a niche for himself in the Stoughton community where his business has more than 40 clients who in 2012 recycled more than 1 ton of aluminum cans. Read More about Adam
Olivia works at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin as a full-time Room Service Attendant. Olivia knows she is part of a team of employees and was hired not because of disabilities but because she is a hard worker and willing to take on additional responsibilities. Read More about Olivia
Rachel has worked at the Department of Natural Resources for the past 5 years. Kim from Community Work Services helped to design a job for Rachel at the DNR so Rachel could help the office run more efficiently. Read More about Rachel
Tom and Miriah work for Madison Firefighters. Each year Community Work Services, a supported employment agency in Dane County, submits a request to the Local 311 Charitable Trust to fund two positions for supported employees. Read More about Tom and Miriah at Madison Firefighters
Patrick started his job at Tailored Label Products when he was 16 years old and still in high school 9 years ago. He works as a Finishing Assistant and is considered to be the star of his production unit. Read More about Patrick
Marilee is a graphic designer and the owner of Adamski-Smith Multimedia Solutions in since 2010. Her home-based business provides multimedia services, including book cover design, video editing, web hosting, etc. Read More about Marilee
Jim is employed by Twin Metals, a company that produces Heirloom Cookie Sheets. Jim works 4-5 days a week, helping the world enjoy better cookies. Read More about Jim
Travis works at Mendards in Brookfield, WI. Since starting on 6/11/2013 Travis has now received two raises from his hard work and superior customer service. He also loves his job and now rarely misses a day of work. Read More about Travis