Here at CIS, we are always grateful for our employer partners who empower our participants to foster their independence while working in a field of their choosing. For a throwback to National Disability Awareness Day, we want to celebrate three of our participants—Ivan, Russell, and Zaquinta—who were recognized by their employer, TidalHealth Nanticoke, for their standout contributions.

During an in-depth interview for a TidalHealth newsletter, all three were asked to share the unique gifts they bring to their roles at the hospital. Each had an extensive list to offer!
Ivan and Zaquinta both shared what they want people to learn while working with an individual who has disabilities, and stressed the importance of building workplaces as diverse as the communities we live in.

“My gift is that through my time here, I have learned to be better at problem-solving on my own, while also being able to lend a hand to those who need help—becoming a mentor to others,” shared Russell.
Russell has been working at TidalHealth for the past several months, and hearing him say he has become a mentor to others reflects his increased independence and growing confidence.

A special thank you to CIS’s Kelsey Hitchens, Manager of Employment Training, for sharing this story and for highlighting the accomplishments of Ivan, Russell, and Zaquinta. Keep showing your strengths at work and beyond!