Profiles
 Integrated Work GroupsOn February 8, 2011 UCSD held their annual Equal Opportunity/Diversity Awards Program banquet and recognized one of TMI's Integrated Work groups. |
Integrated Work GroupsSuccess. What does it mean to you? Is it graduating from high school, learning a new skill or overcoming challenges that once seemed insurmountable? Two of our Integrated Work Groups in the San Jacinto area have been so successful that they have been recognized with awards. These two outstanding volunteer groups have been recognized for going above and beyond what people expected of them. TMI Job Coaches Judy Acuna and Elaina Gaines work with the teams (as shown above) that received recognition from the San Jacinto School Board for their hard work and dedication as volunteers. Members of the Integrated Work teams who received awards are: Shakti Arrieta, Andrew Johnson, Fernando Rico, Leilani Rodriguez and Alisha Taylor.
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 Abel BarajasAbel Barajas has been successfully employed by Chuck E. Cheese on Highland Ave in National City for 10 years. Chuck E. Cheese, as any young children of all ages will agree, is a fun place full of games, rides, prizes, food and entertainment. Abel began employment as a soda fountain attendant. His duties were to keep the soda area spotlessly clean and stocked with cups, straws, lids and napkins. But his duties didn’t end there. Abel’s enthusiasm and sunny disposition were a perfect compliment to Chuck E. Cheese’s fun atmosphere. Abel’s love of people, families, young children who are often celebrating birthdays and special occasions, shines through. He soon became a lovable part of the celebrations, participating in the Chuck E. Cheese shows, clapping his hands, encouraging young and old alike to sing along with the show’s life-size puppets. No show was complete without Abel’s participation. Abel has become a treasured part of the Chuck E. Cheese family. Through his hard work, positive attitude and endless enthusiasm for his work, Abel is a successful example of a person with a disability who has been successfully employed through the Supported Employment program at TMI. Way to go Abel!! |
 Chuck and EricChuck and Eric are two very special men, who have been with TMI’s Integrated Work Program for over 15 years. They both are dedicated workers who enjoy very much what they do. They both may have a developmental disability, but that by no means stops them from living life to the fullest. They enjoy going to baseball games and learning new things. Learn about these two men here (PDF) |
 Jake and Lori I recently got the opportunity to speak with two individuals TMI serves in the Community Living Program, who wanted to share there story about being first time parents to their daughter Julie. Q. What was your first reaction to finding out you were going to be parents? Jake: I cried Lori: We both cried, but a happy cry. I’ve always wanted to have a baby. Q. How did your families react when you shared the news with them? Lori: My parents said, ”Let me call you back in a couple days. I need to digest this.” They called back a few hours later and said they would support me. Jake: Shock, happiness, and they had fear. Q. Why do you think they had fears? Jake: They didn’t think we were ready. Lori: I guess they had fears that Jake and I wouldn’t be good parents. Q. How has it been being new parents? Jake: It’s been a life changing experience. Lori: It was hard at first, but it’s getting a lot easier. Q. What has been the hardest challenge? Lori: When she had colic. Understanding what her different cries meant. Jake: The involvement of CPS. I felt the doctors targeted us because we had a disability. The doctors didn’t explain their concerns to us and called CPS instead. They never explained the different types of formulas that would work better. Lori: I feel the doctor should have explained things to us. They are the ones that placed her on the soy formula that was making her sick. Q. How has TMI assisted you? Lori: I got a facilitator who was a parent herself. She has helped me so much. Carrie [the Facilitator] helped set up a new doctor. We established a feeding chart to make sure Julie was getting enough to eat. We work on baby proofing the apartment. She goes with me to all of Julie’s medical appointments. We make a list of any questions I have as they arise and bring them to the appointments. It’s been great having Carrie. She’s helped me learn a lot. Q. Are you feeling more confident in your parenting skills now? Jake: My parenting skills are awesome. Lori: Actually I feel more positive. I tell myself I can do it. Julie brings me great joy. Q. How is Julie doing now that she’s eight months old? Jake: Julie is an angel. She’s a very happy baby. She already enjoys shopping at the mall. I’m going to be in trouble when she gets older. Lori: Julie is precious. She’s gaining lots of weight and is sleeping through the night. She’s very alert and is trying to crawl. Q. What would you say now to the people who had concerns about whether you could be great parents? Jake: I’d say look at us now. Lori: We can do it. People shouldn’t judge us on our disabilities. Jake: Our CPS case is going to be closed since Julie continues to do well. She is gaining weight and we have followed all the advice given to us. Lori: If they would have just taken the time to explain things to us, none of this would have been an issue. Jake: They made us take the long road, but we succeeded! |
The Department of Developmental Services can be reached at: (616) 654-1987. The DDS Website is located at: www.dds.ca.gov/complaints.
Toward Maximum Independence, Inc. (TMI) does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disabilities in hiring practices or provision of services.