Easterseals Supported Employment Program Finds Dream Jobs

For Cassie Baker, of Smyrna, going to work is like stepping into a dream – a dream come true! Thanks to Easterseals Supported Employment program and Cassie’s determination, she is employed as an Assistant Teacher at Kind Kids Early Learning Center, a job she has always wanted.

“I wanted to work at a daycare all my life. This was my dream job. I love coming to work every day. Usually, people say they don’t want to come to work, but at the end of the day, I still want to come back,” Cassie says. “I love interacting with kids, listening to their stories and just being around them.”

Cassie’s employer has been an integral part of her success. The Center hired her as a paid intern while she was earning her teaching certificates. Cassie worked hard to earn her certificates and was promoted to Teaching Assistant and almost has enough hours needed to become a full-time teacher. 

“She truly has the passion and the skills to do this job. Cassie always comes in with a positive attitude from the very first day. The children love her,” Ashley Eckeard, Kind Kids Director, says. “She’s so good at this. It shows that the sky is the limit. If you have the right compatibility for someone who really wants to work.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 22.5 percent of disabled people were employed in 2023 and the jobless rate for those with a disability was approximately twice as high as the rate for those without a disability. Many people with disabilities want to work but have not been able to secure jobs because of accessibility and attitudinal barriers.

“It's been amazing to see her grow and reach her goals. Cassie is a nurturing, compassionate, and happy person. That is her nature,” Jaclyn Deldeo, Easterseals Employment Specialist, says. “If you had to describe her employment story in one word, it would be perseverance. Even when she got no’s, she never thought ‘I am going to give up’. She always pushed through.”

Easterseals can help businesses hire workers with disabilities through either Individual or Group Supported Employment Services. With the help of Easterseals Employment Specialists, workers with disabilities are matched with jobs in local businesses. Employment Specialists provide ongoing individualized training and coaching to ensure long-term success on the job. In group supported employment, small groups of participants work with on-site support and supervision by Easterseals staff.

“I like that my coworkers treat me like I'm any other coworker. I like it and I feel very appreciated,” Cassie says. “Failure is not an option for me.”

Currently, Easterseals works with more than 60 businesses statewide, supporting more than 80 individuals with disabilities in competitive employment. To learn more about how Easterseals can help you find the perfect employee for your business, call Jane Schuler at 302-324-4444.