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Nicole Nicholson: YWCA

"I am very open to diversity" stated Nicole Nicholson, Director of Children's Services at the YWCA located in Richmond, Virginia. Recently Ms. Nicholson hired a woman with a disability. This is the second time that she has hired an individual with a disability. "The first employee that I hired worked out well. It was a good experience," stated Ms. Nicholson. Her current employee was screened by the Human Resources Director for a classroom assistant position and then introduced to Ms. Nicholson.

"When I interviewed Sarah I was very impressed. She knew a lot about the classroom, had her associate's degree in Early Childhood Education, and was a Certified Nursing Assistant. She sounded wonderful. I was a little concerned at first because she said that she did not feel comfortable being alone in the classroom with the kids. I knew that sometimes she would have to be alone with them. I did not see this as a disability issue, but a confidence issue. We set up an observation so that I could see how she did in the classroom and it went well."

Ms. Nicholson says that her new employee fits in well with the family atmosphere at the YWCA. She states that people are genuinely concerned about each other. "Recently, Sarah had a seizure. We were all very concerned, but she had already discussed with her coworkers what actions they needed to take if this ever occurred." They followed her instructions and no one panicked.

"I would advise other supervisors to have an open mind and be honest," said Ms. Nicholson. "Everybody needs to have an opportunity to find their niche and Sarah has certainly found hers here at the YWCA."