By Jennifer Modenessi, Vitals contributor 

When Doug Sheehan decided to shake up his career and pursue his dream job, he knew exactly where to turn for help.

As a client of AbilityPath, a Redwood City-based nonprofit that serves individuals with autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome and other disabilities, Doug had the assistance of his longtime job coach, Dorothy Evans, to help him achieve his career goals. With Dorothy’s dedicated support and the skills that he’s developed in AbilityPath’s Employment Services Program, Doug, who has autism, was able to successfully apply for and secure the job as a library aide at the Belmont Library.

Doug is so grateful for Dorothy’s help that he gave her a heartwarming shout out earlier this year when he accepted AbilityPath’s Neal Poppin Award, which recognizes individuals within the program who have overcome barriers to achieve their goals. “I really want to thank AbilityPath for having Dorothy be my job coach. And she’s more than a job coach,” Doug said. “She’s also my friend.”

With a recent $75,000 investment from Sutter Health, AbilityPath’s Employment Services Program will continue to help Doug and other adults in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties benefit from the nonprofit’s unique approach to job training, placement and coaching services that help clients secure and maintain competitive employment and equitable pay.

“For over 25 years, Sutter Health has supported AbilityPath’s employment program, recognizing the incredible talents of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and how they enrich the workforce and our communities,” says Bryan Neider, AbilityPath CEO. “We’re grateful for Sutter Health’s commitment to breaking down barriers and empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to thrive professionally and personally.”

In California, only 13% of adults with disabilities are employed although 4 out of 5 of those adults want to work. People with disabilities also struggle to secure jobs due to misconceptions about their abilities. AbilityPath’s Employment Services program addresses these needs by providing assessments, vocational training, job placement, and on-the-job coaching in supported and competitive work environments.

The organization’s commitment to diversifying the workforce mirrors Sutter’s own dedication to creating opportunities for community-based healthcare training.

“At Sutter, we understand that a diverse and vibrant workforce is key to building healthy communities,” says Catherine Krna, Ambulatory CEO of the Greater Silicon Valley. “Our investments in workforce development ensure all community members have access to the training and support they need to find equitable, fulfilling and meaningful employment.”

Launched in 1989, AbilityPath’s employment program serves approximately 280 individuals annually by connecting them to more than 100 local and national companies that provide on-the-job training. Almost 90% of program participants remain employed with their job training site, according to the organization. Sutter has invested a total of $125,000 in the program over the past two years.

AbilityPath provides an array of services for children and adults with developmental disabilities including:

• Developmental screenings
• Early intervention services
• Children’s therapy services
• Inclusive preschools
• Adult education and independent living skills development
• Social and recreational programs
• Employment services
• Family support

Learn more about AbilityPath here.