Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Marco’s Inspiring Journey to Employment
As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we are reminded that every success story starts with a spark—a moment when determination meets the right opportunity. For Marco, that turning point came when he discovered the Paid Internship Program (PIP) with Toward Maximum Independence (TMI), a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in partnership with Team Breaking Barriers.
Described as a “gentle giant with a kind heart and a genuine desire to help others,” Marco’s journey is a powerful testament to how the right support, encouragement, and environment can help someone unlock their full potential.
Setting Goals and Growing Confidence
When Marco entered the PIP, three primary goals were established to guide his professional development:
Improve time management, including arriving on time and clocking out appropriately.
Understand that his actions reflect on Team Breaking Barriers and maintain professional behavior.
Become more proactive by learning expectations and transitioning between tasks independently.
Like many new paths, Marco faced a few initial hurdles. He struggled with confidence in his communication and remembering the exact sequence of warm-up exercises. However, with the dedicated support of his TMI Direct Support Professional (DSP), Lorinda Elder—who encouraged him to slow down when speaking and utilized printed visual guides and verbal reminders—Marco steadily gained his footing.
Over time, his communication blossomed. He became more engaged and confident when talking with participants and fitness trainers, naturally showcasing his helpful attitude and eagerness to assist.
Stepping Up and Taking Initiative
Marco’s love for fitness and staying active became a cornerstone of his success. Working as an Assistant Coach gave him a platform to use his strengths, develop new skills, and make a real difference.
Coach Jorge Ortega noted that Marco proved he was ready for permanent employment through his consistent initiative during class sessions. Instead of waiting to be told what to do, Marco began setting up equipment without prompting, leading warm-ups, and running exercise activities. This initiative not only showed his growth but also allowed the coach to spend more time supporting participants who needed extra attention.
Jorge, reflecting on Marco’s contributions, shared:
"Marco has been a tremendous addition to our program as an assistant. He is learning his role and takes initiative in performing his job. He is learning in opening up, connecting with the clients, and providing encouraging positive feedback."
The Power of Partnership
Marco’s success is also a shining example of what a strong community partnership can achieve. Throughout the internship, TMI and Team Breaking Barriers worked hand-in-hand to provide consistent support, clear expectations, and a safe, inclusive environment for Marco to learn and grow. Ongoing communication between TMI and Coach Ortega ensured Marco received guidance on areas for improvement, helping him build resilience and self-advocacy.
As his TMI Division Manger Jerla Wood highlighted, one of Marco’s greatest strengths is his positive attitude toward feedback:
"He listens, learns, and adjusts to new situations. He also knows how to advocate for himself and is comfortable asking for support when he feels confused or anxious."
From Intern to Permanent Employee
Seeing his confidence and happiness grow throughout the program was deeply rewarding for everyone involved. Marco successfully completed the PIP program and has officially been hired by Team Breaking Barriers as a permanent employee! He continues to arrive at work encouraged, engaged, and committed to making a difference in someone’s life each day.
Lorinda expressed just how proud she is of Marco:
"From his first day in the internship to becoming a permanent employee, he continued to learn, grow, and prove what he was capable of. We are incredibly proud of his hard work and success."
During National Disability Employment Awareness Month and all year round, Marco’s journey is a wonderful reminder that everyone deserves a chance to shine. We look forward to seeing Marco continue to grow, succeed, and inspire those around him every single day!
Heartfelt Thanks
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Team Breaking Barriers for their incredible partnership, open hearts, and commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where individuals of all abilities can thrive. Thank you as well to our dedicated TMI team whose relentless guidance, mentorship, and support helped Marco unlock his potential and achieve this wonderful milestone.
Team Breaking barriers is dedicated to providing adaptive fitness training to people with special needs. Their team-centric approach provides opportunities to experience positive, social interactions, and to build a strong support group of peers and lasting friendships.
About the TMI Paid Internship Program (PIP)
Toward Maximum Independence’s Paid Internship Program (PIP) is designed to bridge the gap between career aspirations and competitive integrated employment. Funded to support individuals with developmental disabilities, the program matches participants with inclusive local businesses, offering hands-on vocational training, skill development, and ongoing job coaching support. It provides employers with motivated talent while empowering participants to build confidence, independence, and long-term career paths.
Interested in partnering with us to transform lives?
Visit our Be a Community Partner page to learn about the benefits of having our clients be employees or volunteers with your organization.
Please contact us with any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!
(Thank you to Jerla and Lorinda for contributing to this story!)
Founded in 1981, Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to transforming the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and veterans with disabilities. TMI strives to help our clients to realize their hopes and dreams by providing Employment Solutions, Community Living Services and Family Support Services. To stay connected with us, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. Together we can share acceptance and awareness, ultimately contributing to further inclusion. Please consider making a donation to assist us with transforming lives for many more years to come. We thank you in advance! Tax ID# 33-018575
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