Our Support for Moldova and Ukraine

      Our Support for Moldova and Ukraine

04
May
2023

The Measure of a New Job

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The Measure of a New JobWhen a position opened up at Zimmerman’s Nuts and Candies in Harrisburg, PA, Hillary McFadden jumped at the opportunity. Zimmerman’s was looking for someone to weigh and package their candy and other products, and the mathematical precision required appealed to her.

Taking advantage of supports available to her through the Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP), she is working closely with her job developer, Naomi Spoo, as she learns the various responsibilities of her job. Because she has a visual impairment, she uses a talking scale to weigh candies and nuts. She also uses several prototype assistive devices that Naomi created to help her complete her tasks. (TechOwl or Technology for Our Whole Lives in Philadelphia, has expressed interest in these devices and may eventually produce them so others can benefit.)

Hillary is focused and positive, says Donna Zimmerman, owner of Zimmerman’s Nuts and Candies, and she’s a reliable member of the Zimmerman’s team.

Although she currently uses job coaching supports, Hillary’s goal is to work independently. “I love my new job,” she says.