Local organizations empowering people with developmental disabilities

BIG FLATS. N.Y. (WENY) -- March is known as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. So Able 2 and Capabilities are teaming up to empower people with disabilities to conquer their dreams.
"This month we want to focus on empowering people with disabilities, and celebrating the successes of people and what they can accomplish, opposed to the stigmas that are surrounded by people with disabilities," , Capabilities employment specialist, Valerie Ervay.
Capabilities is an employment agency which helps people achieve their goals by developing things like internships, build resumes, and even help people find work and retain jobs. Through a program shared by Able2 and Capabilities called, "Pathways to Employment", Shaina Holmes was able to follow her dreams.
"That's where she found, 'I think I can do more. I think I can accomplish more. I would love to live on my own. I would love to get a job. But how do I do those things,'" said Ervay. "Then, when this pathways to employment came, she was the perfect candidate for that because it's really good for people who don't have a lot of work experience. It builds you work experience."
Holmes was able to get internships at several places, before deciding Old Country Buffet was the place for her. Now she loves working at the register and greeting people as they walk in. While also living on her own.
"It just feels so good," said Capabilities client, Shaina Holmes. "Like achieving my goals."
If you'd like to learn more about Able2 and Capabilities, you can visit their websites at: https://capabilities.org/ and https://www.able-2.org/ .

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