Employment Blueprint in Tune with Governor's Employment First Policy:

to Match His Goals 

Soon after sworn into office, Governor Patrick renewed a commitment by signing an executive order for Massachusetts to serve as a model employer of people with disabilities. This was a refreshing promise of Governor Patrick's that meant more people with disabilities would have the opportunity to work in state government. 

Now, advocates wait to learn if Governor Patrick will fulfill his commitment to increase full participation of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in inclusive employment settings outside of state government.

Advocates are on the edge of their seats waiting for Governor Patrick's release of his FY'15 House Two budget later this month to see if he supports an employment plan for adults with I/DD - with similar goals as his model employer initiative - to move individuals with I/DD out of segregated work settings into the community.

Below is David's story, which illustrates how Supported Employment services helped him find employment in the community.

One of the perks of David's job is catching most of the UMass Lowell River Hawks hockey games at Tsongas Arena after his shift as ticket taker ends.

This is his dream job, his mom, Arlene, says.

"I remember when his job coach at CLASS, Ken Masson, asked him, 'If you had a job you would really like, where and what would it be?' My son is very knowledgeable about hockey, his passion, so of course he said he'd want 

to work at a hockey arena," Arlene says.

David at Tsongas Center

"Ken approached us about David's fit for the job and handling the responsibilities," says Kyle Swartz, Tsongas Center events manager. "We saw it as a great opportunity to hire a hard worker who happened to have disabilities and also, as a community employer, we saw it as a way to help out the community. From day one we've had a great working relationship with both Ken and David."

Next Swartz talked with David and Ken about the job responsibilities, taking tickets from hockey fans at the door of the popular arena.  

"We knew David could handle ticket taking at every hockey game but, in particular, his dedication to customer service fits with our staff service model," Swartz says.

In a short time, David has become a dependable, valuable employee on staff.

"All the local patrons have gotten to know David, who is not shy about meeting and greeting people at the door," Swartz says. "From day one he looked comfortable scanning tickets and letting hockey fans in the door. David, with his passion for athletics and hockey, is always excited to be here, always on top of his game. It's been a great opportunity for David."

"David is a Tsongas Center employee who happens to have disabilities," Swartz continues. "The whole staff has made David one of our River Hawk family. He's part of our team."

That's enough to light the lamp, for both the arena and David. His mom could not be happier.

"David has always worked; he wants to participate no matter what or where it is, but he loves the Tsongas Arena," Arlene says. "From his supervisor to his coworkers to the customers, it has been a positive, wonderful experience for him.

"The Tsongas Center gave him the opportunity and it's been a really good fit. Now everyone there loves my son."