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Welcome!
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Get Involved... Millions of people flock to see movies like these to marvel at the gifts and accomplishments of people with disabilities. But how many of these moviegoers ever actually get involved in the life of an individual with a disability?
Most people with disabilities want to lead typical lives. They aspire to have jobs, make friends, go on dates, travel and be invited to parties. However, people with disabilities still face incredible discrimination and are often ignored. You can help change this! Instead of turning your head when you encounter someone with a disability, take a risk; give him or her a chance. You may find that a person with a disability can enrich your life.
Pacific Diversified Services is a nonprofit agency in Marin County, California dedicated to assisting people with developmental disabilities to become more accepted, contributing members of their community. Our focus is on diversity and inclusion of all people. PDS creates "places at the table" for those previously excluded and combats prejudice and discrimination by developing appropriate job placements for clients, while enlightening those in the community about the untapped potential of this population. |
Borders Books and Music since 1996 with the assistance of a PDS job coach. There she enjoys processing unsold magazines for credit by ripping off the covers. Throughout her shift, she can be heard exclaiming, "Oh, pretty!" and "Look [at the] man, lady!" as she sees the pictures on each magazine. She has so much fun on the job that the paycheck is just a fringe benefit to her. Another client, JR, who was already challenged with physical and developmental delays, has pulled through a devastating ordeal in which he was placed in a drug-induced coma to stop his uncontrollable seizures. When he emerged from the coma, he had lost the abilities to walk and speak.
With support from PDS, JR has been able to return to his job at Costco, processing photos alphabetically and keeping the shelves cleared of empty cardboard boxes. He is walking again, talking and loving his exciting, fast-paced job, where he has made many new friends. He even used his earnings to travel to Mexico for a vacation. What a joy to see people participating in community life -- socializing, laughing and being regarded as just "part of the gang." It is incredibly rewarding to see the proud looks on our clients' faces when they receive their paychecks, knowing that they've worked hard for their money and will be able to spend it however they please. If you are interested in employment, volunteering, making a donation, becoming a board member, interviewing and hiring a client, or just getting involved, please contact us.
Don't forget to check out our Mission Statement
and find out more ways to get involved. |
