Gaining Confidence and New Position

CLEONA, Pa. -- Volunteer, artist, worker-there are many words to describe Robert Boltz. The 39-year-old man born with Down syndrome is determined to keep moving forward in these areas.
The North Cornwall man's biggest success story comes from being an employee at Giant Food in Cleona. Seven years ago, Developmental and Disability Services job coach Melissa Vardzik found him an available cart-pushing position. Boltz became bored with the menial task, though Giant believed it was the only job for which he was fit, Vardzik said.
Finally, about a year ago, he was promoted to the produce department.
"He really did work his way up there," Vardzik said. "Robert is a totally different person now that he's in produce. He is so much more confident now, and it really opened him up."

California Agency Faces Financial Crisis

PETALUMA, Calif. -- Jay Brown and Gary Hament rave about the help that Old Adobe Development Services have provided them, so they didn't hesitate to participate in a grassroots effort this year seeking to reduce proposed state budget cuts that would have severely cut services for people with intellectual and development disabilities.
Brown and Hament felt empowered after Gov. Jerry Brown released a revised budget in March reducing these cuts to $174 million, but they remain concerned because the very existence of OADS could be threatened if statewide tax initiatives are not extended.
"I feel that people with disabilities are really being put under pressure: It's falling on all of us," Hament said. "Through our efforts, we found that we can actually make changes happen. I hope that the cuts won't be as severe as originally thought."