Despite what people may think, individuals with developmental disabilities have a lot to offer in a work setting. And a regular job gives them the means to make money, and contribute to society — and a priceless chance at fulfillment.
hj Nobody quite knew what to do with Yaakov.
Already in his early 20s he could easily fall through the cracks: developmentally delayed but high functioning with emotional issues that impeded his integration into constructive activities.
“We couldn’t pull him out of bed” says Suri Englard director of Day Services at HASC. “He’d sleep till three in the afternoon then wake up with tons of energy that he often used to bother other people. We’d tried putting him in day programs but nothing worked out.”
Yaakov had shown interest in computers so HASC staff decided to enroll him in a six-week computer course offered by COJO (the Council of Jewish Organizations). To their surprise he went religiously and even did all the homework.
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