Learn to Earn teaches people with disabilities job skills

ROCKLEDGE, Fla. – A new program helps people with disabilities gain practical work experience.

The Brevard Achievement Center's Learn to Earn program works with people ages 14 to 21 during the summer.

The program helps employers find committed employees for their company.

21-year-old Carson Brown has always had a knack for computers, especially when it comes to bringing them back to life after malfunctions, viruses or wear and tear.

He says it's satisfying to get someone's computer working again.

“Some of them are not in good shape when they arrive,” Brown said. “I can say that.”

Brown is honing his skills as an intern at Computer Rich in West Melbourne as part of the Brevard Achievement Center's Learn to Earn program.

Store owner Rich Alvarez Jr. said Brown was one of several interns who came to work for him through Learn.

Alvarez said Brown's knowledge and expertise will help him reach the next level.

“Some of these people, I found, have a hard time getting a job after interviewing, usually because they're smarter than the person hiring them,” Alvarez said. “But I'm not afraid to hire someone who's smarter than me.”

Alvarez said he was impressed with the skills Brown brought to his company and how the program makes the interns even better.

“Their lives have changed in the way they approach things just by interacting with me for a few weeks,” Alvarez said.

National data shows that people with disabilities generally have a harder time finding jobs.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, 44% of unemployed people with disabilities reported that it was difficult for them to work. The reasons given were limitations caused by the disability, lack of education or training, or lack of transportation options.

However, Carson said his experience with Learn to Earn was invaluable and recommended others use the program to discover their passion.

“I would encourage it,” he said. “I definitely enjoy it.”