They're disabled - and they're working

"If I had 20 of David, my job would be easy," said Shear, who manages from 30 to 50 clients.

In 2008, AHEDD placed 350 new clients for an average of 119 days each. As of June, 57 percent were still employed.

Depending on the job, disabled workers' federal benefits may be adjusted or suspended, Miller said. Sometimes workers negotiate to retain Medicaid, which may be better for them than private insurance. The particulars are so complicated that a job search usually begins with a benefits consultation.

AHEDD and Community Integrated Services helped Adolfo Burgos, 20, open a printing business in Philadelphia four years ago. He looks forward to getting up each day to customize magnets, golf balls, bags, and business cards.

"Being your own boss is a big responsibility," said Burgos, who described himself as bipolar and intellectually challenged. "But you can clock out whenever you want." His goal is to open a store in his garage.

Ditto said he hopes most disabled workers find jobs in community settings, especially as assembly-line work for employers such as the Abilities Center disappears. He foresees job growth in food service, green energy, and medical labs.

"It's very difficult to get the work that these centers used to do, so the opportunity to leave that sheltered setting and find similar work is difficult," he said.

Perron said future workers would need both center-based and community options.

Nicole Jones, 39, of Brooklawn, tried working at Burger King and McDonald's, but the pace was too fast.

She returned to doing prep work and cleanup at Bagelicious, a store on Delsea Drive next to the Abilities Center. She takes the bus to and from work, and her salary helps support her 15-year-old son.

"I'm a good worker," said Jones, who has a mild cognitive disability, and her supervisors agreed.

Soon she may venture out again, she said. For now, however, she's happy.

Contact staff writer Cynthia Henry at 856-779-3970 or chenry@phillynews.com.