Letters of Support: Bonny's Story

Hello,

After months of rehabilitation following an illness, I was referred to the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and encouraged to enroll in the CTP Skill Center. At the time, I didn’t know what to expect—or if I was truly ready to return to the workforce.

From the very beginning, people like Devin O’Keefe and Carrie made a difference. They didn’t just guide me through the program—they listened to my story, understood my struggles, and reminded me that I still had potential. Their encouragement came at a time when I needed it most.

Read More > https://www.ctpberk.org/6243/letters-of-support-bonnys-story/

Please fill out a short survey on Disability Inclusion and Support in the Workplace. This is a project created by CTP graduate Jennifer Arieta. Even if your knowledge of disability is limited, your response is helpful. It is also an easy way to support a great CTP graduate.

https://forms.gle/ucjtJGkh14erXc1y9

#disability #inclusion #universalDesign #accommodations

Letters of Support: Kate’s Story
Part 2 of 2

After I graduated from CTP training, the staff have reached out to check on my progress and invite me to speak to others about my employment journey. I’ve seen how important the program has been to others with disabilities who must find a way to survive in an extremely competitive and confusing job market.

I cannot overstate the critical importance of the CTP program. It is one of the most effective programs I’ve had the chance to witness over my lifetime. I am aware that programs for people with disabilities face increasing funding challenges. I strongly encourage investment in CTP’s work. Now more than ever!

Sincerely,

Kate Mangotich
Substitute Teacher
Oakland Unified School District

Letters of Support: Kate’s Story
Part 1 of 2

To Whom It May Concern,

I am a lucky recipient of training from the Computer Technologies Program (CTP). I’m writing to express my strong support for the CTP program and its mission to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

I contacted CTP in 2022 after I had been left partially paralyzed by an autoimmune attack and had been laid off from my job of 17 years at the age of 60. I was overwhelmed and needed help to figure out what kind of work I could do at my age with diminished capabilities. I had not had to apply for a job in approximately 30 years, so I was also woefully out of touch with the current job application process. The staff and teachers at CTP skillfully and compassionately helped me get through the physical and emotional adjustment by bringing me up to speed with current technology, computer skills, and job application skills. That training gave me the confidence to reenter the workforce.

In April 2025, the DOR Fairfield office referred Bonny to CTP, where she enrolled in the Computer Skills Bootcamp to re-enter the workforce after becoming disabled.

She completed Bootcamp in May, and later graduated from the PRO Customer Service and Administrative Training program. After participating in supported job search services, Bonny accepted a job offer in December and has been successfully employed ever since.

Here are her thoughts:

“I’ve honestly been missing my time at CTP. It has been such a meaningful and enriching learning experience for me. You and all the instructors made the entire journey so fulfilling, and I’m truly grateful.

I wish more people who need help knew about what this school offers. Everything I learned gave me the confidence to return to work and re-engage with society.

I also learned how important empathy and patience are when working with others, and I carry those lessons with me every day because of the way you taught us.”

— Bonny, DOR Fairfield Consumer & CTP Graduate

🌟 Want to make a real difference?

I volunteer with @ComputerTechnologiesProgram (CTP), a nonprofit that empowers people with disabilities through tech training and job readiness programs. It’s been inspiring, uplifting, and incredibly rewarding to support participants as they prepare to enter the workforce.

CTP is always looking for volunteers—businesses and individuals alike. One simple way to help is through mock interviews, giving participants confidence and practical experience while strengthening your own professional skills.

If you want to get involved or learn more, reach out to Carrie, Director of Employment Services, at [email protected].

Let’s create opportunities, empower others, and make a positive impact together!

hashtag#CTPBerk hashtag#Volunteer hashtag#Disability hashtag#IndependentLiving

Thank you to the volunteers from Beneficial State Bank! Your support significantly helps people with disabilities to prepare for and find careers. The time, effort, and dedication that each volunteer kindly provides is invaluable to our work.

If you would like to learn more about how you can volunteer and support our students and their journey toward employment visit: www.ctpberk.org/volunteer

#ctpberk #volunteer #students #interview #training #thankyouforyoursupport #BeneficialStateBank

Non-competitive resumes and a lack of confidence tend to go hand-in-hand. Building a resume is often a catch22 but working on confidence is achievable.

The best thing is to meet working professionals and experience their workplace. Take every opportunity for informational interviews (most via Zoom!), company tours, volunteer, internships, apprenticeship. Alternatively, join Toastmasters or a networking group.

https://www.toastmasters.org/

#workforce #employment #resume #confidence #interviewing

Labor Force Participation
People with disabilities: 24%
People without disabilities: 68%

These are people with disabilities many of which could work if given the opportunity. Opportunity is not only a lack of artificial barriers (discrimination) but the developmental opportunities - training, encouragement, apprenticeships, interneships, on-the-job training, career exploration etc.

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep

#disability #workforce #inclusion