Holding down a job can be a tough enough challenge, but when you add the complications of a disability, it may seem twice as hard. Sears has worked with Schenectady ARC in coming to an understanding of these challenges. The staff at Sears provides the support and the flexibility necessary to help individuals succeed on the job.

“Our goal is to educate the employee. If they are having a tough time with one particular function of the job welook at ways to re-focus and approach it with a different perspective,” said Karin Collins, HR Director at Sears.

Sears is featured in our Employer Highlight this issue because they use that strengths-based approach: understand the employee’s abilities, explore them fully, and put them to use.

Sears has been working with Schenectady ARC through the New Directions program for over two years and has hosted more than eight employees with various disabilities. “The support that we receive from the Sears Company has been phenomenal and they are very flexible when it comes to the needs of our consumers,” said Jill LaFlamme, Director of New Directions Employment Services.

Sears has a great approach to coaching individuals with disabilities in the workplace; Sears is also, as Nick states, “A great place to work and I really love doing my job.”

Nick is a Merchandising and Customer Service Associate at Sears. His main job function is helping customers locate the products they are looking for. Since he works with the products daily he can tell you where just about anything is located in the store. Nick also has responsibility for restocking and making sure that products storewide are presentable and available.