Expert: Andy - 8/31/2007

Question
Hi,
My son is mildly mentally handicapped. He suffers from seazures and takes tegretol. He is taking courses at an adult school for his high school diploma since he did not graduate. He, however, is taking courses at the communiy college and has been doing very well in his coursework, getting As-Cs. From this quarter on, he will be receiving special ed help since we want him to take more courses. He was also in special ed in middle school and high school. The reason I am writting toyou, I wonder where I can go for help for him to get a job. He has been afraid to work since he thinks people will call him stupid. Is there any organization in Santa Clara, CA. that can help us get him a part time job? Thank you very much for the good job you ae doing.

Answer
Dear Sabi,

The birth of a baby is usually anticipated with great excitement and expectations of a future filled with happiness and success. This exuberance may become muted with the birth of a disabled infant. It does not matter if the handicap is blindness, retardation or a physical abnormality. The family into which this child is born will change in some ways. Our family changed forever when my brother Dennis contracted meningitis which resulted in his becoming deaf in a hearing world. I’m proud to say my brother went on to a successful career with the Post Office & is now enjoying his retirement. Sabi, the same can happen for your son.

I did some research & came up with a few agencies/schools that either may be able to assist you directly or most definitely point you in the right direction.

Santa Clara County Office
Christine Fitzgerald
PH# 408-246-1178 or 408-282-0870

This office deals mostly with disabled Social Security recipients; however, Christine should be able to direct you to the proper county office that can assist you.


Goodwill of Santa Clara County
1080 N.Seventh Street
PH# 408-283-9093

This organization is well known & provides Job Placement Services. They have experience in assisting people with diverse needs & have a network of companies that readily employ people the organization recommends. Again, if they can’t meet your needs, they very well may be able to provide information of other organizations that can.


Mission College-Career Transfer Center
3000 Mission College Blvd
Room E1-202
PH# 408-855-515

This school can help evaluate your son’s skill sets & recommend certain career opportunities. They also have a placement center that can assist in finding permanent employment.

 

Sabi, having a handicapped child born into a family and grow into adulthood is one of the most stressful experiences a family can endure. I hope the information I’ve provided is helpful & lands your son a job he’ll enjoy & prosper. If I can further assist, please let me know. I’m curious as to why you chose me to assist; if you can provide me a brief answer it would be appreciated. Also when time permits I would appreciate you filling out the allexperts.com questionnaire. Sabi, I wish all the best for you & your family.

Regards,
Andy