PASADENA, Calif. — Working on an assembly line might look tedious, but it’s necessary work when it comes to manufacturing. Mario Rodriguez is participating in a job training program at AbilityFirst, an organization that provides transformational support to those with developmental disabilities and he’s thankful for the opportunity.  

“I just feel great,” said Rodriguez. “I can’t wait to go home and just relax, take a good shower, eat well and get some great sleep and then after that the next day, same routine.”

What You Need To Know

  • Originally named the Crippled Children’s Society of Southern California, AbilityFirst was founded in 1926 by a group of businessmen from the Los Angeles Rotary Club

  • AbilityFirst provides a variety of programs designed to help people with disabilities by creating targeted programming to help an individual successfully transition from childhood to adult life

  • AbilityFirst merged with FVO Solutions to provide critical job training support in manufacturing and currently supports 2000 individuals and families

  • Participants in the manufacturing program are paid for their work and time

Preparing 3-hole punches to be sent to stores for sale, Mario is getting trained in a skill suited to his specific abilities. Though born with a mild intellectual disability, Mario’s best attributes are his good attitude and willingness to learn.

“I like it. It’s a new experience and it keeps me going,” said Rodriguez.

Mostly, he enjoys working with a team, but unfortunately, he was laid off last April at the start of the pandemic.

“I loved working at my previous job and after when I heard that I got laid off, it just hurts,” said Rodriguez.

If you ask Mario, America was built by its manufacturing industries and he takes a lot of pride in his work so he joined the Supported Employment Program at AbilityFirst to get help looking for jobs, navigate the interview process, and get paired with his job coach Brandon Crowder. He’s helped folks like Mario get jobs all over, including one with office skills.

“He over time learned really great communication skills,” said Crowder. “He learned how to function in an office, kind of, you know, being able to copy, scan, file and now he actually works for the State Department.”

The trick is finding work that matches their specific skills, so AbilityFirst merged with FVO Solutions to further develop programs in manufacturing. Thankfully, Mario recently got a job at Amazon taking pallets from trailers and scanning packages, but he wants to continue training so he can progress with his career. Now, he has some excellent advice.

“While you’re working with others, just be yourself,” said Rodriguez. “Don’t be scared to ask any questions. Ask your boss or your friends or anybody that you’re working with.”