My name is Amber. I am 29 years old, and I have an intellectual disability. Because of this, I live in an apartment in Plymouth where I receive support from Hammer Residences. I am very independent and like to be active. I am a Special Olympics athlete, and I work as a Dietary Aid at Cornerstone Assisted Living in Plymouth. I work hard and am proud of my job.

Because of my disability, I cannot drive. I rely on several sources to help me get to where I need to go, especially to work. But each comes with an added challenge or cost, making it tough for me to work consistently and as many hours as I would like. The transportation services I most regularly use are Metro Mobility or taxi cabs. I can also get rides form my Hammer staff or just ride my bicycle.

I live 2.73 miles from where I work. Depending on traffic, it would take about 6 minutes for me to get to work by car. However, when I ride Metro Mobility, it takes between 25 – 30 minutes to go this same distance. Plus, I often wait 20 – 30 minutes to be picked up. I don’t like to be late for work. So, sometimes, when I get very anxious about being on time, I just call a cab which costs me $10.00 each way. It might not seem like a lot of money, but it adds up quickly. I also get penalized if I don’t cancel my ride with Metro Mobility an hour in advance. If that happens twice, I am unable to receive rides from Metro Mobility for 2 months.

Sometimes, my staff can give me a ride. However, if a staff person gives me a ride, that means they may be short staffed back at the apartments where I live. I am grateful when they can help, but I know there are also 11 other people that Hammer serves at my apartment complex.

Right now, I work about 20 hours a week. I would like to add extra hours to my work week, but Metro Mobility’s hours of operation limit my ability to pick up another shift.

I simply ask that legislators please take a closer look at these accessibility issues and that they support efforts to improve transportation opportunities for people with disabilities. THANK YOU!

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When I went to college, I started and ended with the same question – what do I want to do after school? I earned a degree in business, yet I hadn’t come up with an answer. Hammer has always been a part of my life. My mom has worked for this organization for over 25 years. I had worked here part time on the weekends during my last year of school. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but I was beginning to find my answer.

Regan (in black nad pink) volunteering at Hammer Thanksgiving in 2006

I write this now, post-college as a Program Manager for one of Hammer’s group homes. Everyone has always said that once you start at Hammer, you get pulled in, and now I see why. As its mission, Hammer Residences provides individuals with disabilities opportunities to live life to its fullest. In my role, I get to support four very special ladies as they each pursue living their lives to the fullest. Like any other job, there challenges; for example, not losing your composure when trying to “keep the peace” amongst everyone. Even so, I continue to find that the joys and rewards far outweigh any of the challenges.

During my short time at Hammer, I quickly have learned that the only true disability in life is having a bad attitude. These women I support are four of the sweetest people you will ever meet. They are just like you and me, and I am humbled every time I go to work. The individuals who I am honored to serve may look a bit different than you and I, or have a different thought process, but these women are the most AUTHENTIC people I have ever met. When these ladies are angry or upset, you know it. That said, they are quick to forgive and move forward. On the flip side, when these gals are happy, they radiate joy. The laughter, smiles and jokes that fill my work days make every minute worth it.

We shouldn’t try to complicate life too much; it should be simple! No two days are the same at our house and the giggles keep coming. We can learn from every single person we meet. Today my question is no longer “what do I want to do after school?” but “who knew that a job didn’t have to feel like work?”

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