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How DVR Services Complement Employment Opportunities & Independence: From Ball Games to Senior Living

Photo of Angela at her work, wearing her work uniform

Angela Marchese is a hard worker. She serves lunch and dinner and helps with activities on Wednesdays and Thursdays at Ramsey Woods Senior Living in Cudahy, Wisconsin. During baseball season, Angela works the concession stands at American Family Field for Brewers home games. Her dedication and work ethic shine thanks to opportunities provided through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR).

In Wisconsin, three state agencies prepare young individuals like Angela for success in the workforce. Together, the Department of Health Services (DHS), Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and the DWD collaborate to ensure individuals with disabilities have access to competitive integrated employment opportunities.

Competitive integrated employment (CIE) refers to work in which an individual with a disability is paid no less than the customary rate earned by other employees performing similar work, regularly interacts with people both with and without disabilities, and having access to the same benefits and advancement opportunities as peers without disabilities.

Now 34 years old, Angela’s working career began when she was a hospital volunteer in high school. After high school she applied for services with DVR and earned a food service certification through the Milwaukee Center for Independence.

“DVR provided me with job development services," said Angela. "Their job development services helped me get a job at Miller Park (now American Family Field). Before working for Ramsey Woods, I also worked concessions at the Fiserv Forum. Working double shifts got to be too much, so I decided to look for a change."

For more than 10 years, Angela had a job coach through the Include, Respect, I Self-Direct (IRIS) program. After concentrated effort in developing independence skills, she no longer requires a job coach, showing tremendous growth and self-reliance.

“I’ve lived in my own apartment in Greendale since August 2024 and I am hoping to find roommates soon," said Angela. "I love walking to the nearby library and coffee shop.”

Angela credits her mother for helping her get her job at Ramsey Woods in January 2024. “She contacted them based on a friend’s suggestion," said Angela. "She says it is important for people to consider who they are connected to when looking for work. Everyone has connections. We shouldn’t overlook these!”

Angela’s dreams, personally and professionally, revolve around performing and traveling. “My dream job would be something to do with acting," said Angela. "I have taken acting classes at the Pink Umbrella. Working at an amusement park or for Disney would be awesome! I am saving my money for a Disney cruise. I’d love to travel to Europe, especially on a Disney cruise!”

Angela is one of thousands of individuals across the state who benefit from Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) in Wisconsin – a joint effort of DHS, DPI, and DWD-DVR formalized in 2017 through Wisconsin Act 178.

Special thanks to the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin for partnering with Think Ability Wisconsin, Angela, and her family to share her employment story.