Participants also gradually gained confidence with technology. Learning to use calculators enabled people to comfortably complete exercises such as shopping, banking and catalogue ordering. Many participants had never used computers before they joined Way to Work. One new computer user enjoyed the daily 30minute computer class more than any other activity. Later, when we visited her on a work placement, we found her during a break teaching another, non-disabled co-worker how to play a computer game. Smiling broadly, she told the class that, on discovering her love of computers, the staff at her work placement had begun to teach her how to write a letter on the computer. She was doing word processing.

The work placements served to help the participants redefine their employment goals, as well as learn new skills. Each participant tried four to eight different jobs. One man was determined to do kitchen prep work, at which he’d been successful ten years previously. He had two unsuccessful work placements in hotel kitchens where he complained of an aching back and his employers complained about his lack of initiative. Finally, he reluctantly agreed to try a placement washing cars. There, the employer found him to be cheerful, reliable and capable. He was hired as a regular employee. Another man had been labelled “unemployable,” partly because he communicated little with others. However, the Way to Work program instructors found him to be “everlastingly cheerful, reliable and willing to work.” With encouragement of his classmates, he spoke more and proved himself to be a capable worker. He was the first in the class to be hired and became an inspiration to his peers. His employer calls him “a keeper.” One cheerful student with a strong work ethic has yet to be hired. However, her mother reports that she has never been happier or more confident.

All these accomplishments, whether in employment, self-esteem or living skills are viewed as successes for people who are facing challenges as they discover their abilities.