LIHU‘E — Macy’s West does not hire students because of their challenges, but because they can help, Debbie Chuckas said Monday. Chuckas, the Macy’s West store manager, and her staff accepted the Kaua‘i Branch 2008 Employer of the Year award
LIHU‘E — Macy’s West does not hire students because of their challenges, but because they can help, Debbie Chuckas said Monday.
Chuckas, the Macy’s West store manager, and her staff accepted the Kaua‘i Branch 2008 Employer of the Year award from state Sen. Gary Hooser and Brenda Viado, representing Joe Cordova, administrator of the state Department of Human Services Vocational Rehabilitation and Services for the Blind Division.
Each year, students participating in the Special Education-Vocational Rehabilitation Program are asked to select their choice of employer to engage in work study opportunities.
In most cases, there is always the resounding response of “Macy’s!,” states the nomination form from the Kaua‘i Branch of the vocational rehabilitation office.
Kenne Mahoney, merchandising manager of Macy’s West, creates a dynamic and creative atmosphere for students and all individuals with disabilities.
“They attend our employee meetings, participate in the rallies and even play games with us,” Chuckas said. “We are blessed that they want to work for us. They add energy.”
Debra Matsumoto, an employment specialist with the Kaua‘i Branch of vocational rehabilitation, pointed out that among the staff accepting the award was Felipa Newhouse, who despite her challenges, has been on the Macy’s West staff for 27 years.
Macy’s has always been a tremendous supporter of special education students from Kaua‘i and Waimea high schools, this year having four from each school as part of its program.
“During the year, we see them come through the store and their families are so proud of their students who are Macy’s employees,” Chuckas said. “We see them going through the store, introducing their families to the associates they know. We are so lucky they work for us.”
Macy’s West has hired countless clients over the years, including those who are deaf and developmentally disabled, Matsumoto stated in her nomination.
Matsumoto said the various accommodations have been implemented almost effortlessly for all employees with disabilities and special needs, and Michelle Freitas, the Human Resources assistant, is always available and excited to meet with potential new hires. This positive can-do attitude can be found throughout the entire staff at Macy’s.
Hooser, presenting Macy’s West with a senatorial commendation, said there needs to be more employers willing to take on students in the Special Education-Vocational Rehabilitation Program, and encouraged other employers to call the Kaua‘i branch for more information on how they can help create productive citizens.
Matsumoto said the program is a unique partnership with the state Department of Education and having more employers involved in the program only helps it because it adds a variety of work experiences.
“This past year has been filled with many changes, highlights and accomplishments,” said Cordova. “Despite these many changes, we continue to enable our participants to achieve personal and economic independence.”
Due to travel restrictions, Viado represented the state rehabilitation department this year.
Responding to a question on how many clients with disabilities have been hired, Chuckas said, “We do not have those kinds of numbers because we hire based on ability — whoever can do the job, gets the job.”
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
