mission

To facilitate availability of fully accessible work environments to adults with disabilities, creating spaces in which they can develop and demonstrate vocational and social skills, independence and community involvement through social, interactive, and productive work. 

purpose

To make it possible for independent local businesses to employ individuals with intellectual & developmental disabilities (IDD) for vocational training, volunteer opportunities, and/or paid work. 

context

As individuals with disabilities age out of the special education system at age 22, it is common for opportunities for growth to be fewer than than those available within public and private schools. At such a transitional moment, it is essential to provide them with venues for continued learning and opportunities to contribute independently and meaningfully to the greater community. 

In our competitive economy and due to the complexities of funding for individuals, there are limited work opportunities for adults with disabilities, and those available often do not include opportunities for engagement in an inclusive community, nor a fully accessible work environment in which universally designed supports enable them to demonstrate greater independence.

Development and availability of these supports, such as visuals, clearly defined and structured roles, a larger work space, opportunities for repeated training and breaks, and routine use of alternative and augmentative communication devices make for welcoming and supportive environments that motivates employees to grow and succeed.

Story Cafe Project bridges the space between the work done by providers' job coaches and the needs of local businesses by identifying possible tasks, developing instructional materials and facilitating social interactions in the workplace. 

who

Sarah Read holds an M. Ed. and dual licensure in Special Education for Students with Moderate Disabilities (K-8) and Severe Disabilities (all ages). Her work as a teacher has been primarily with Deaf secondary age students with multiple disabilities. She and her co-teacher designed and implemented a functional academic program for middle- and high-school students over the course of several years, including all domains and with an emphasis on integration and interaction with a wider community. 

Sarah has a passion for creatively designing ways for individuals of all abilities to partake meaningfully in their communities. Through extensive work in behavior & social/emotional skill building, functional academics, and communication development,  Sarah has helped many students and adults discover tools that provide means of access to engagement with peers and environments.

Sarah is fluent in American Sign Language and experienced in the use of AAC devices (low- to high-tech). She loves writing and teaching curriculum that embeds academic skills into truly functional and authentic activities, thereby creating the greatest opportunities for growth, dignity, independence, and success. 

Sarah has lived in Somerville since 2008, and is eager to contribute to this developing community by facilitating relationships among human service agencies, individuals with special needs, and small businesses.