Mar 1, 2008

Disabled workers find comfort with jobBy Kathleen MooreDailyGazette.com

Schenectady — A mental disability can be the loneliest place of all.

It can be so isolating that Emily Friedman looks forward to just exchanging casual hellos.

“Being around people is really a nice thing,” she said. “At this point for me right now, it’s very special.” Friedman has just moved into her own apartment in Schenectady. Although she is finally living independently, the little moments when she gets to interact with someone are now precious.

So she volunteered to run Innovations, the Schenectady Museum’s gift shop on the Jay Street walkway. There, she and other residents with disabilities work under Schenectady ARC supervision.

Jobs for ARC clients are often limited and in many cases involve tedious repetition while surrounded by others of similar disabilities. So an independent, take-charge job where workers actually interact with the customers was something of an exceptional opportunity. ARC jumped at the chance.

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