Charlie’s Story - An Employer’s View
Debie Leitzke, Manager,
University of Montana, College of Technology Bookstore

I was intrigued by the whole customized employment process - the job site tour and Job Match Index, the Portfolio presentation, and the group effort that went into determining if the University of Montana College of Technology bookstore would be a good job match for Charlie. (I have a sister with a disability and when she was going to school, customized employment wasn’t even an option. Consequently, my sister has had many negative job experiences.) The Portfolio was especially helpful because it gave me ideas of different tasks that Charlie could complete for our business. We chose vacuuming because it was something we needed done each day and it fit the hours during which Charlie was available for work. In December, I hired Charlie as a temporary employee earning $7.00 per hour.

My assistant and I watched Charlie and his job coach, Sally, work together. We realized there were small accommodations we could make that would allow Charlie to complete his tasks more efficiently. For example, we moved a coat rack to make it accessible so Charlie didn’t have to spend extra time finding a place to hang his jacket. We made some of our displays more permanent, helping Charlie establish a routine. We strategically placed two power strips in the store after observing that it was easier for Charlie to plug the vacuum cord into a strip than into a wall outlet. These little changes created more opportunity for Charlie to be successful, and doing well on the job is very important to him. As a way of centering and preparing himself for work, as well as rewarding himself afterwards, Charlie spends time drawing before and after he vacuums. He independently puts his drawing pencils away when it’s time to start vacuuming or return to school.

Charlie has made remarkable strides in his work skills. When he started, he needed physical assistance pushing the vacuum and completing the other steps of his routine. Now Charlie uses only minimal guidance. He can plug the vacuum in, turn it on, vacuum, wind up the cord when he’s finished, and put the vacuum back where it belongs. Charlie is also learning how to interact with and respond to his bookstore coworkers and he is very well-liked. Our business and Charlie seem to be a good match. The bookstore is a comfortable environment in which he can learn new skills, and Charlie provides a valuable service for us.

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