Paris... Wanted More

Occupation: Office Assistant

Paris is an engaging gentleman who is fulfilling his dream to work in a professional office. Upon graduation from a special education high school program in 1984, he began attending a local day habilitation center. Part of Paris’s Day habilitation program included a Skills Enrichment program. While there, Paris realized he wanted MORE. Although, he enjoyed being with other people with disabilities but ultimately his goal was to be competitively employed. The job Paris dreamed of meant working in the larger community around people with and without disabilities. Always proud of his personal appearance, Paris wanted to be employed in a professional environment, and make a contribution to the world. An independent vocational profile suggested that Paris had the skills, aptitudes and attributes to make him an asset to any employer. Always very articulate, organized, detail oriented, and a good self advocate; the vocational profile indicated Paris’s strong inclination for working with people.

Paris found a way to pursue his dreams when his service coordinator referred him to the Buffalo District Office of VESID. After extensive vocational counseling and guidance provided by his vocational rehabilitation counselor and on the strength of the independent vocational profile, the VESID counselor, recognized Paris’ potential for success for community employment. VESID worked with Paris and his community rehabilitation program service coordinator and drafted an individual plan for employment in order to assist Paris to reach an integrated supported employment goal. Supported employment assumes that all persons, regardless of the degree of their disability, have the capacity and should be afforded the opportunity to engage in competitive employment with appropriate support services. Because Paris was already involved with Aspire of WNY, he and his VESID counselor decided that Specialized Support Services at Aspire would be the best program for him. VESID coordinated these services until the consumer obtained suitable employment and was able to perform his assigned job duties independently.

Paris and his Job Developer decided to look for a job that would involve working with people, using his organizational skills and working in an environment where he could feel positive about himself. A number of job opportunities were considered before locating a position at the Assigned Counsel Program. The Assigned Counsel Program is a project of the Bar Association of Erie County. The Program coordinates the assignment of attorneys to represent, individuals who are charged with a crime or a violation which could result in incarceration and who cannot afford to retain an attorney.

During his interview, Paris impressed the employer with his sincere enthusiasm for being employed in a professional setting. He was subsequently offered a part time position as an office assistant. In this role, Paris assembles new case document packets, processes and delivers mail, shreds sensitive documents and sees that the office is neat and tidy. Paris’ organization, precision and personality made him perfect for the job. Paris was delighted to be accepted as part of the Assigned Counsel team!! Paris has been working there since 2001, continues to enjoy his job and is seen as a valued employee and team member his employer. According to his job coach, Ellie Metzger, Paris has recently been assigned a new responsibility; courier of case documents to the various court buildings in downtown Buffalo. Paris now represents the Assigned Counsel Office throughout downtown Buffalo and ensures excellent customer service.

Dennis Martinez, Regional Marketing Coordinator
Buffalo District Office