Christina Ryan, a Santa Rosa Jr. College student, found a career working with developmentally disabled individuals, through her work in a restaurant.

How did you decide on a career working with disabled individuals?
I was working as a restaurant food server for two years, but I knew that I wanted to find a career. A group of developmentally disabled individuals would come into the restaurant in the mornings and set tables and help with the morning preparations. These individuals belonged to an organization called Becoming Independent (BI). I was so impressed with these individuals and their organization. BI is an adult day care program that provides employment services and independent living skills for the disabled. I decided to apply for a job with B.I. I am now working for BI, and I feel passionate and committed to the work.

What barriers have you found in your work?
I was apprehensive in the beginning, because there was so much to learn about developmentally disabled individuals. They have various physical problems, and I needed to learn how to help them physically, as well as mentally. I didn't have medical background, but I soon learned how to administer CPR, first aid, gastrostomy tube feedings, oxygen administration, and restroom assistance. I also learned how to interact with the clients, when they had behavioral problems.

What have you enjoyed about the job?
I have been working at BI for seven months now, and I absolutely love my job! I have become an instructor and I teach independent living skills. These skills include money management, employment skills, reading and writing, personal hygiene and safety skills. While working with this unique group of people, I have gained an enormous amount of awareness and gratitude that I would never have achieved without an opportunity to be with disabled adults.

What have you learned from this experience?
I am aware of the unearned privileges that I have just from having a healthy working body. Not only have I more acceptance of others, but I also have accepted my imperfections.

What are your future goals?
I have decided to go back to school and earn a degree in psychology and special education. I hope to one day operate Becoming Independent, and eventually own a group home. I would like to bring awareness to our society about people with special needs. The community needs to open its doors and allow the handicapped the opportunity to work and develop life skills and earn a paycheck.

For more information, contact Christina Ryan
Email: ChristinaTherese@comcast.net