Jennifer Meints with Hands of Heartland was our speaker at Lincoln South Rotary Club on June 2, 2023. She shared information about employing individuals with disabilities and making a more inclusive community.
Jennifer share her personal story of her journey with special needs individuals.
She and her husband were expecting their 2nd child. During a routine ultrasound the doctor voiced concern and suggested they consult a specialist. They learned that their unborn daughter was missing about a quarter of her brain - the portion that controls speech and physical movements such as walking. The doctor suggested that, since her daughter would not have a good quality life they might consider terminating the pregnancy.
They continue the pregnancy, and Grace was born. She was born early so was in NICU for quite some time. She and her husband did see some changes in her periodically that were not consistent with that early diagnosis. While spending time with Grace in the NICU they read and researched to learn as much as possible about Grace's condition.They have traveled all over the country and connected with other families that support each other.
Grace is now 20. She walks and talks (alot according to Jennifer). And she loves to connect on Facebook (Grace Meints).
Jennifer's husband works for the school system - and he loves his work. And, now, Jennifer works for Hands of Heartland - and she loves her job.
She said that success of anyone - with any ability - is finding a good fit in a job. That is what Hands of Heartland can do!
From their website (https://handsofheartland.com/):
We believe that those with developmental disabilities are people first, and our array of services reflect that belief – creating a safe, welcoming environment designed to spark creativity, nurture people’s needs, and facilitate services needed to promote the highest level of achievement, independence, interdependence, self-determination, and community integration.
Jennifer stated that the programs in the public schools are good. They have programs in place to help students tradition out of the school environment - now starting at age 14.
She said that all states have Vocational Rehabilitation programs through Health and Human Services (DHHS). Referrals come from DHHS to help clients. Hands of Heartland will take time to get to know the client and find a match for them. They will spend time finding out what they like to do - what they feel they are good at. They will reach out to organizations to find if there is a match. They don't have specific companies they regularly partner with - they will reach out to any organization to match clients with employers.
Jennifer said it is a little difficult to get organizations to understand what they do. And, it is sometimes difficult for the organization to believe that someone with developmental disabilities could work out. She said that they have found success when an organization is able to give lower skill tasks then freeing up their high-level employees time to work on those more difficult tasks.
An important part of Jennifer's efforts are focused on awareness. In order for us to have a more inclusive, accepting environment we need to be aware. She sited an example - the remodeled airport in Lincoln has changing tables. But, they are not just for infants they also have changing rooms for adults. She said many don't provide those so caregivers are hanging them on floors, in the back of vehicles, etc. These seemingly small amenities help provide privacy and the individual can live with a little more dignity.
BIO
Jennifer is a staple in the disability community. She has worked in the field for Developmental Disabilities for over 20 years.
She serves as the Community Outreach Director for Hands of Heartland and as President of the Board for The Arc of Lincoln which is one of nine local chapters of the Arc of NE, she served on the Nebraska Developmental Disabilities Council for six years and was the Chair for three of those years, and is active with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce to link needs identified in our community to available resources, and much more.
She has worked to find ways to bring together stakeholders in response to numerous complex issues regarding Special Education and persons with Developmental Disabilities.