Working Toward a Dream: Kevin Knows Cars

Kevin’s dedication is clear every Monday morning at 6:45 a.m. when he starts his day. After breakfast, he catches a bus to Cerritos College, where he spends the morning learning about the ins and outs of auto mechanics.

The classes are part of the Automotive Technology school at the community college. He and his fellow students work hands-on with a variety of cars, using state-of-the-art equipment under the guidance of automotive experts from the field.

“I love it,” says Kevin.

His Easterseals Life Skills Coach, Sandra Sierra, is well aware of this passion. “He was talking so much about cars,” she says, “we knew we had to find a way to support this interest.”  

Sandra and her team researched local programs and found the auto-mechanic courses at Cerritos College. When they presented the idea to Kevin, his answer was an enthusiastic YES.

Turning a Passion into Reality

Enrollment was a multi-step process involving a lot of back-and-forth and paperwork, but Sandra worked with Kevin and his family to gather all the necessary information and fill out the forms.

Fast forward to today—Kevin has completed several classes and is a focused and dedicated student. He attends school a few mornings a week, then spends afternoons at Easterseals Adult Day Services.

During his time at ADS, he and Sandra check his email and stay on top of what’s needed for his courses.

Some of his favorite topics so far include a tools service class and learning how to change and recycle oil. These skills aren’t only fun to know—they’re also useful.

“I can help care for the family car,” said Kevin. “It’s great.”

More courses are ahead, and Kevin is looking forward to all of them. Meanwhile, the associates at the Paramount site are excited to see Kevin pursue a passion that truly drives him.

Learn more about Easterseals Southern California is increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities in our latest blog post “Easterseals and the State of Disability Employment.”