VALLEY — October was Disability Employment Awareness Month. T.I.G.E.R.S., in collaboration with the School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP), Blue Peaks Developmental Services, and the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), recognized three San Luis Valley programs and businesses employing persons with disabilities. Each was presented with a plaque recognizing their efforts.

Birdie’s Boutique supports students who wish to improve their skills in non-academic areas through Work Based Learning Experiences. Business owner Roberta Rivera stated her logo is, “I believe everyone can soar.”  She mentions that “everyone can bring value to our community.”

Roberta states she enjoys giving youth and young adults opportunity to grow, succeed, and flourish within our community. Youth and young adults have been able to gain and grow in their working skills as well as life skills that they will be able to take with them as they transition into the workforce. She would like to cultivate a culture of, “Everyone is Welcome.” Roberta would like to encourage other business owners to employ youth and young adults with disabilities in their businesses.

Ruthie Brown at The Green Spot has always had a heart to help young people with disabilities. Blue Peaks’ employee Patrick Rheaume, who nominated Ruthie, stated he has long admired her for her willingness to do so. She currently has two employees who have grown under supervision. She has encouraged them both to come out of their shell and stated she has developed patience in return. 

Ruthie has stated it has been both gratifying and rewarding being part of these two individual’s life. She has helped them both become more independent.  She recalls a time when she had a family member with a disability and this is one of the main reasons she hires people with disabilities. Ruthie did mention that they are “family.”  She would like to see additional supports and employment opportunities for these youth and young adults within our community.

ERC-Energy Resource Center has partnered with several agencies to employ people for part-time work. Employer Charlie Sanchez said he has enjoyed the partnerships developed so we are able to support our community members. Lupita Garcia, receptionist stated she really enjoys working with the community and youth/young adults.  They have partnered with many different agencies within the SLV in hopes to help low-income, elderly and disabled individuals. 

SLV Railroad has partnered with DVR and had many successful work-based learning experiences for youth and young adults. They will continue to work with DVR to provide work experiences for clients.

Each of the placements means that another person has potential for long-term employment and the benefits that go along with having a job. Those benefits include the ability to live a fuller life and achieve dreams and goals. The positive impact extends beyond the student and the employer to family, friends and community. T.I.G.E.R.S. salutes the programs and employers who recognize the needs of students and extend themselves to those students.

The Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is a state agency that provides a variety of services to persons in the San Luis Valley seeking employment and who need supports to overcome disabilities and other issues. For more information, call 589-5158.

SWAP is a joint project of DVR and the San Luis Valley Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). They provide similar supports for persons aged 16-25. For more information about SWAP or T.I.G.E.R.S. (an organization that works with youths transitioning to adulthood), contact Amy Raya of SWAP at 587-5410.

Blue Peaks Developmental Services is the local CCB which provides support to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the San Luis Valley in achieving their fullest potential for integrated and responsible living and working in the community. For more information, call 589-5135.

Roberta Taylor-Hill, right, and Amy Raya, left, present a T.I.G.E.R.S. award to Roberta Rivera at Birdie’s Boutique.

Amy Raya, right, and Roberta Taylor-Hill, left, present a T.I.G.E.R.S. award to Charlie Sanchez and Lupita Garcia of the Energy Resource Center.