comm ittee Spotlight

Get On Board Project

“E very soul has value” and “each person counts” are two phrases all lawyers should have embedded in their minds. Pursuing and protecting the rights of the individual is the bedrock of our profession and protecting the individual makes the community better as a whole. In decades past, some of these individuals with great capacity for learning and contributing were marginalized for their differences and forgotten. Fortunately, we have seen the genius of individuals like Stevie Wonder, Helen Keller and Beethoven, but likely missed others who could have greatly contributed. Regardless of an individual’s capacity for “genius,” every person counts and should be given the opportunity to contribute.

In 2017 acting on this ideal, then-HBA President Alistair Dawson and the HBA started Project TRAIN (the Training, Readiness and Inclusion Network). Project TRAIN develops and distributes materials and training programs that assist employers in hiring and retaining individuals with special needs or cognitive disorders. The HBA Project TRAIN Committee has worked tirelessly in developing this innovative program and engaging law firms and corporate law departments. The potential rewards are great. As the program developed, it was essential to Dawson that a support system be in place for both the employer and participant. “The end result must be a win-win,” Dawson said. “These individuals can do this. We just need to give them a chance”. The Project TRAIN Network, composed of attorneys and representatives of disability rights groups, provide practical advice on the unique situation of hiring special needs individuals, as well as address legal issues related to the Americans with Disabilities Act and employment law. These organizations provide employers with training that assists them in preparing for and hiring employees with special needs and managing issues that might arise. Dawson assures anyone who is interested in the program that Project TRAIN is with the employer every step of the way, from interview through hire, onboarding, and beyond. If fact, a mentor from the program is assigned to each employee and even assists TRAIN By Trey Holm and Hon . Jeff Wor k

the employee with the onboarding process, after which they remain a resource for both employer and employee.

Ryan Dole is one of the individuals Dawson speaks of who was given a chance and proved himself by becoming an important member of the Jackson Walker team in Houston. Kurt Nondorf, a partner at Jackson Walker, says Dole is doing a great job and everyone is very glad he is there. “Ryan has been a great addition to our staff. His diligence and good humor are contagious and uplifting,” Dole couldn’t think of any concerns or challenges working at Jackson Walker. He simply said, “I have enjoyed working here and would like to continue.”

Organizations involved in the Network include The Center for Pursuit, Social Motion Skills, H.E.A.R.T., Jewish Family Service and Disability Rights Texas. The Network also provides pro-bono legal services to ensure that children and teens obtain services they are entitled to in school and assist with establishing supported decision-making arrangements or guardianships once they turn 18 years of age.

Initially, 19 Houston law firms and companies pledged their proactive support for employing individuals with special needs. Employing someone through this program takes some extra effort and training but, again, it is worth it.

For Nondorf and the other leaders at Jackson Walker, participating employers receive a diligent and productive member of their team, as well as a lift in the day for everyone who meets Dole. “I recommend that other firms give the program a closer look and join with Alistair to provide opportunities for this special segment of our community.” For more information, visit the Project TRAIN Committee page on the HBA website at hba.org. Trey Holm is an associate editor of The Houston Lawyer. He is an associate with Killeen & Stern, PC where he focuses on insurance litigation. The Hon. Jeff Work is a former district judge and former associate editor of The Houston Lawyer, who now practices with Thomas J. Henry in San Antonio. Project TRAIN helps employers hire and retain individuals with special abilities, assisting at every step of the way.