WAIPOULI — “It was her dream to be able to work at Safeway,” said Debby Matsumoto about her client, Vocational Rehabilitation Services’ Rehabilitant of the Year, Loretta “Lorie” Iloreta, who was honored yesterday in an impromptu ceremony in the produce
WAIPOULI — “It was her dream to be able to work at Safeway,” said Debby Matsumoto about her client, Vocational Rehabilitation Services’ Rehabilitant of the Year, Loretta “Lorie” Iloreta, who was honored yesterday in an impromptu ceremony in the produce section of her favorite store at Kaua‘i Village shopping center here.
Nominated by Matsumoto for the state of Department of Human Services Vocational Rehabilitation & Services For the Blind Division award of annual distinction, the produce clerk, rendered deaf by Usher’s Syndrome, was selected for the award from a host of several disabled nominees from across the state.
Surrounded by a wealth of family and friends, Iloreta was all smiles as she was presented with a plaque by John Nolan, acting vocational rehabilitation administrator, and a certificate from the state Senate, given to her by state Sen. Gary Hooser, D-Kaua‘i-Ni‘ihau.
Brenda Viado, director of the Kaua‘i vocational rehabilitation branch, began the ceremony with a brief introduction of the program, and Iloreta’s accomplishments, before handing the reins over to Matsumoto, who reminisced about aiding Iloreta in achieving her dream.
“I knew Lorie ever since she was in high school,” said Matsumoto. “She always knew exactly what she wanted, and went for it, sometimes even pulling me along, determined, with her bull-like mentality.
“I still remember when she walked into our office four years ago, saying that she wanted her case to be reopened, and that she deserved a real job. She wasn’t satisfied with her previous employment, and felt like she was ‘underemployed,'” Matsumoto said.
“Lorie wanted a job that would provide her with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
“Her first choice of employment was of course Safeway,” continued Matsumoto. “But, unfortunately, they were not hiring at the time. So, she waited patiently, trying out other places of employment. After about two and a half years of working hard and wishing, there were openings available.”
Matsumoto immediately made a phone call to Janine Hashitate, who at that time was store manager. Hashitate set up an informal meeting with some department managers to determine the prospect of Iloreta’s employment.
“Within an hour, Lorie managed single-handedly to convince them that her deafness would not be a communication issue, and she could do any job task necessary,” recalled Matsumoto.
Awed by her strong will and optimism, Safeway officials hired Iloreta on the spot.
An interpreter was then flown in from O‘ahu, and collaborated with vocational rehabilitation local interpreters to aid in employment orientation and training services. The managerial staff at Safeway even provided Iloreta with a text cell phone, and a TTY (text telephone) to accommodate her special needs.
As a courtesy clerk, Iloreta impressed both co-workers and superiors with her outstanding commitment and passion for her work, Matsumoto said. Though able to successfully undertake any task she was given, Iloreta soon realized that her calling was in the produce department. Taking Iloreta under his wing, Produce Manager Leo Bunao taught her the specifics of the department, which she currently thrives in.
“She is such a hard worker,” beams Bunao. “She always comes to work on time, does her work quickly and efficiently, and never complains. She is such a joy to have, and I wish that she would agree to work 40 hours a week.
“We use sign language, and write messages back and forth on a piece of paper,” added Bunao. “From her first day here, she was ready to work, and proved to us that communication would not be a problem.”
“At first, we wondered how the communication factor would work out,” admitted Safeway Kapa‘a Assistant Manager Lesha Merritt. “We wondered how we would get her attention. We thought of using big signs, a banner, and even flashcards, but Lorie refused to use them, and communicated with us through her hand motions.
“I am so inspired by her and her abilities,” said Merritt. “We even offered her the position of cashier, but she told us that she wasn’t ready, being that there are a lot of things to remember, and many responsibilities to take care of. So we’re just waiting until she’s ready.
“We even suggested that she work in the floral department, since she is occasionally afflicted with back pain from lifting heavy things. But she decided that she would rather stay in the produce department.”
“This is what I mean by the employer going the extra mile,” chimed Matsumoto. “We are so lucky that Safeway is accommodating Lorie and the other vocational rehabilitation clients who are currently employed by Safeway Kapa‘a.”
Also in attendance to the event were Christina Pilkington, county coordinator for the federal Americans with Disabilities Act; Larry Littleton, co-chair of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee for Equal Access; Glenn Nakagawa, rehabilitation teacher for the blind, state Department of Human Services; Layne Shigeta, vocational rehabilitation; Teri Yamashiro and Faith Gadingan, Kauai Center for Independent Living; Felipa Newhouse, president, Na Kuli Club; and Bobb Revels, certified interpreter.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services is a program whose employees assist persons with disabilities to attain employment by developing individualized plans for employment for each client. Services of the program include vocational assessments, diagnosis and treatment of impairments, vocational rehabilitation counseling and guidance, rehabilitation technology services, supported employment, vocational and other training, job placement, and follow-up.
For more information on Vocational Rehabilitation Services, please call the state Department of Human Services, Vocational Rehabilitation & Services For the Blind Division Kaua‘i branch, 274-3333.
