Take your first steps toward meaningful employment.
Finding a job that makes you feel happy and fulfilled isn’t easy. If you’re living with a disability and just starting out, it can feel even more challenging. But you don’t have to do it alone. There are steps you can take to land a job that’s right for you, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. For over 25 years, we’ve been helping people with disabilities connect with meaningful work in the Greater Atlanta area.
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[Ambient music playing]
Vickie >> Todd is the friendliest young man. He loves to give hugs, and he, um, loves to sing. He loves music.
I am Vicki White, and I have been with Bobby Dodd for the last almost three years. Before here, I worked at Habitat for Humanity, which is where I actually met Todd.
Todd >> Hi, my name is Todd, and I do mailroom work at Bobby Dodd.
Lena >> Todd is a very independent, caring, compassionate human being.
Hi, I’m Lena Irish. I’m Todd Willis’s mom. Todd was diagnosed with autism at about, I know exactly, 3.9 years old. And when we received that diagnosis, it was very hard to take. I didn’t know much about autism then, and what I did know was based on movies like Rain Man, and I thought that that was going to be his life.
[Fire alarm sound]
My first red flag was, we were at the hospital, and the alarm went off. The fire alarm. And so this really loud beeping noise that went all throughout the hospital was trying to tell everybody to leave. And Todd started covering his ears, and he just lost it, just throwing this humongous tantrum on the floor. And that was really my first sign that this was something bigger than what I thought it was.
I first found out about Bobby Dodd when Todd was in high school, and he got the assessment of what Bobby Dodd suggested he do going forward after high school. Like the transition from after graduation.
I’m happy that Todd is associated with an organization that knows that it’s important to incorporate people with disabilities in our workforce, knowing that they need to have a connection to how society works and make their contribution, and that Bobby Dodd helps companies see that contribution as valuable. It’s really important to me.
Todd >> My biggest achievement is graduating from High School with a diploma, and living on my own with my roommate. And last but not least, finding a girlfriend last year. I know I will own a DJ radio business one day.
Vickie >> He has worked for as long as I’ve known him. He’s either volunteered at Habitat for Humanity, or he then he started working at Publix, and then he got the job here, which I know he loves. And just being here, having a regular Monday through Friday, almost full-time job is just a huge help for him.
Lena >> Living on his own, having a girlfriend, having friends like his roommate and friends at work that he looks forward to seeing every day, and talking to about his dreams of being a DJ or driving a nice car.
Vickie >> I just love Todd. I’m so glad that I get to see him a couple of times a week. I look forward to my Todd hugs, and just he makes me laugh all the time.
Todd >> I like making new friends, too.
Lena >> When I look at how far Todd has come, I know that it wasn’t just because of the people around him. I really do think it was because of God. But secondly, um, I think that God placed in our life different people around us and organizations like Bobby Dodd to change the perspective of what Todd’s life would look like.
A process that gets results.
We focus on your strengths and what matters to you—to help you find a job that supports your independence.
You’ll work one-on-one with Job and Career Services staff to identify your skills, interests and goals.
But it doesn’t stop with finding a job. We’re here to help you succeed from day one and beyond.
Step 1
We’ll begin with a conversation to get to know you, your strengths and what matters to you. Together, we’ll uncover your biggest talents and build a path to meaningful employment.
Step 2
Get real-world experience and gain valuable skills to increase your chances of long-term employment.
Learn how to explain your needs to your employer and effectively request workplace accommodations.
Learn key soft skills needed for success in the workplace, including communication, teamwork, time management and problem-solving.
Get access to a resource & computer lab equipped with the latest technology. Plus get personalized support.
Explore potential careers and job opportunities by learning about different occupations, industries, and the skills required for various roles. This can include job shadowing and career assessments.
Step 3
If you’re ready to work, there are job placement services available to help you find the right job for you. Our Job and Career Services staff will work with you to help you find the right opportunity for your skills and goals.
Work closely with our Job and Career Services staff to find the best fit career for you.
Explore different opportunities and get hands-on experience.
Work with a member of our Job and Career Services staff to assess your skills and abilities in order to identify jobs that align with your strengths and aspirations.
If you need long-term support to succeed at work, we’re here to help. We start by finding a job that fits your unique strengths. Once you’re hired, we provide ongoing job coaching to help you grow and stay successful in your career.
A dedicated member of the Job and Career Services staff works with you to identify the best resources for reaching your job goals.
- Discover available jobs
- Explore new career paths
- Fill out job applications
- Prepare for interviews
- Enroll in a training program
- Get help with your resume
- Connect to community support like transportation, childcare, internet access, financial planning
A life-changing, nine-month job training program for individuals with disabilities. We’ve partnered with local businesses to provide hands-on training, skill-building and real-world job opportunities.
Mastering entry-level cybersecurity concepts and topics. From security principles to network and endpoint security, vulnerability assessment to risk management, and incident handling, this certification covers it all.
For all inquiries regarding services, please call 678-365-0071 or send an email to empowers@bobbydodd.org.