Disability Services

Yes, the “dis” is lowercase and “ABILITY” upper case to make an important point. We at disABILITY Service believe in focusing on the abilities of those we serve, and we strive to provide a person-centered approach in every aspect of our service delivery. We’ve spent over 50 years empowering people of all levels of ABILITY to grow, learn, and succeed. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity for meaningful work, be included in the greater community, and be treated with dignity. We work hard to help support individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities reach their goals while developing self-determination.

Due to the ongoing spread of the COVID-19 virus, we have been forced to adjust the way we deliver services. Our program continues to provide in-person job coaching to those working as essential workers in our community. We are also providing a hybrid model of Adult Day Services consisting of remote and in-person services. Although we’ve had to change the way our program is delivered, we are working tirelessly to provide a curriculum and support that improve the well-being of the individuals we serve. Please contact our disABILITY Services, Jeremy Hogan for any updates or any urgent matters.

A Story of Resilience

“Just keep going, never give up.” – Jesus Mendoza

If ever there was a story about overcoming obstacles, this is one. Born in Mexico in 1987, Jesus Mendoza came into the world with his feet crossed and tucked up close to his tiny body. He had his first operation at just three weeks old and endured many more, until at age four his heart stopped on the operating table. Doctors shocked him back to life and Jesus’ family put an end to the dangerous procedures. Read more →

A MESSAGE OF THANKS FROM THE DIVISION DIRECTOR

This past year has continued to be one of transformation for CHD and also for the division of disABILITY Services. I will remember it as my first year with my wonderful work team, but I will also remember the pain and resilience of sheltering in place and living through the COVID-19 pandemic.

As I reflect on this past year, there are two words that represent what I am grateful for, and those words are passion and patience. Even though this year has been extremely challenging, I am thankful for the passionate patience that is practiced by both my staff and by the individuals we serve.

Although these words may seem paradoxical, it is this tension that best describes the past year to me. While our division worked hard to learn new technology and provide alternative services to the individuals we serve, we also spoke to community partners and to program participants; we analyzed ourselves and took our time to develop a new strategic plan. The passion and patience that has been displayed by our staff and clients will allow our program to position itself as one of the more innovative and passionate service providers in the region. This will allow us to serve more people who need help, and for that I am grateful.

As we look to the future and envision a world where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are truly respected for their contributions, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to serve these individuals for a living. I am filled with thanks!

Jeremy Hogan

disABILITY Services
Program Director

CREDENTIALS & PARTNERS

We are currently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities to provide Community Employment Services; Job Development, Community Employment Services; Employment Supports, and Organizational Employment Services.

We are grateful to receive referrals and funding from the North Bay Regional Center and the Department of Rehabilitation. Additionally, a contract with Santa Rosa Junior College supports our services and staff.

Employment Services

We have a rich history of providing employment support to individuals with disabilities in Sonoma County and have been working to empower individuals in finding meaningful work opportunities within our community for over 50 years. Our services have evolved over the years from a sheltered workshop to our current program, where we provide Supported Employment. We have been working to empower individuals in finding meaningful work opportunities within our community for over 50 years. We partner closely with individuals and their circle of support to identify the type of work they desire. We help guide this person-centered process and provide ongoing job coaching to ensure the individuals we support can obtain and keep the jobs they want. We offer the following services to make that happen:

Supported Employment

Our Supported Employment Department empowers individuals in finding meaningful work opportunities within our community. We partner closely with individuals and their circle of support to identify the type of work they desire. We help guide this person-centered process and provide ongoing job coaching to ensure the individuals we support are able to obtain and keep the jobs they want. We offer the following services to make that happen

Job Development

We develop relationships with local employers to create opportunities for the individuals we support. We build partnerships with businesses in a variety of different fields in order to represent different options for different people.

Job Placement

We help establish and train employers, supervisors, and participants in our program. This provides an appropriate support system for new job placements. We are active participants in the onboarding process of any new job placement.

Job Coaching

Our job coaches provide ongoing support for the individuals in our program. These supports are personalized and can be provided on the job or outside of the workplace. They will vary depending on the individual’s needs. Some supports will eventually fade over time as the employee settles into their role; others may need supports that don’t fade. Whatever may be the case, our team will be there to provide the help needed to succeed.

Clerical Training

Our Clerical team performs office duties at the central administrative headquarters at CHD, as well as other local companies that we partner with. Participants are paid at least minimum wage and acquire a variety of different office skills.

Janitorial Training

Our Janitorial crew works together to provide custodial services for the central administrative offices at CHD, and at other local companies that we partner with. Participants are paid at least minimum wage and learn valuable teamwork skills.

Adult Day Services

Life Skills

We provide daily instruction through a variety of adaptive classes that vary from art and music to science and Native American Cultural Studies. We partner with participants to develop courses that interest them but also educate. We offer entertaining online classes that include virtual dance parties, trivia, wrestling appreciation, natural history, nutrition, cooking courses, and more.

Community Integration

We support individuals in accessing the greater community at large so that they may take part in the social activities of their choosing. We believe that social interaction in a meaningful environment is essential in living a happy, healthy, well-rounded life. Appropriate community access skills are taught for those who need extra support.

To offer choices that are meaningful and opportunities to enhance skills and promote community inclusion and independence and integration.

Volunteering/Pre-Vocational Supports

We believe that giving back and contributing to one’s community can elicit an important sense of community and belonging. Volunteering can also develop important works skills or also evolve into a possible paid opportunity. We work together with other nonprofits in the community to develop engaging opportunities for the individuals in our program.

Health and Wellness

We believe in a holistic approach to supporting individuals in reaching their goals. Keeping health and wellness in mind is essential in addressing the entirety of a person’s life. We educate and support individuals in making healthy choices and partner with the individual’s circle of support to be consistent with specific needs.