Eric Leach was referred to The ARC of Martin County in August of 2005. He moved from an assisted living facility Palm Beach County, where he experienced little to no services in the form of job training. He chose to reside in one of The ARC residential homes, and attended the adult day training program. In January of 2006 Eric was referred to Vocational Rehabilitation from the ADT, and chose Advanced Employment Services (a division of The ARC of Martin County) as his service provider in order to help him with his job search.        

After intensive job development provided by AES, Eric received a job offer in May of 2006. The job offer was to work at Dangerous Curves, which a custom paint and auto body shop located in Stuart. The owner of Dangerous curves Mark Smith had a vision for Eric since the interview. Mark did not want someone just to come and clean his shop three days a week. Mark took Eric on as a project to challenge his skills and abilities on a daily basis. His vision was to train and teach Eric the basics of auto body repair. When Eric arrived his first day at work it was evident that he had very minimal skills and comprehension of work ethic. Through intensive training with his job coach, and a lot of time and effort from Mark and his staff, Eric began to develop the necessary skills to be a contributing member of the Dangerous Curves crew.

Since Eric’s hire date he has cut a car in half, welded iron, primer painted fenders, assembled workstations, and is learning the basics of auto body repair. He also has learned the necessary skills to function independently at his job on a daily basis. Mark and his staff at Dangerous Curves have provided Eric a lot of natural supports, and Eric receives additional supports from Advanced Employment Services in the form of follow along services. 

In addition to the obvious monetary benefits of working, Eric has gained a vast amount of social capital by being employed as his job at Dangerous Curves. He has made many friends and acquaintances working in a community setting, rather than a congregate day training program. He has sharpened his interpersonal skills, and continues to make new friends in the community on a daily basis. He participates in all the Dangerous Curves events, which include trade shows and motorcycle rallies throughout the year. He is treated as family by all of his co-workers on a daily basis.

Mark is not only a champion for Eric, but has become a champion for The ARC of Martin County, and the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities. Eric's story illustrates that you do not have to be the CEO of a million dollar corporation to make a difference in the life of someone with a disability.Mark is not only a champion for Eric, but has become a champion for The ARC of Martin County, and the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities. Eric's story illustrates that you do not have to be the CEO of a million dollar corporation to make a difference in the life of someone with a disability

Visit: www.dangerouscurves.biz