First Work Training for the Disabled in Full-Service Restaurant

FULLERTON, Calif., April 6, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Each weekday morning, a group of 4-6 young adults with disabilities arrives to set up for the day at thriving Fullerton restaurant, Bourbon Street Bar & Grill, the first full-service restaurant to open its doors to the work training program for people in special education offered by Fullerton Joint Union High School District.

A collaboration between the restaurant, nonprofit Fullerton Cares Autism Foundation and Fullerton Joint Union High School District, students are learning everything they need to know in order to work in a full service restaurant, while the restaurant experiences a reduction in the side work and preparation tasks prior to opening because of the great work of the students.

Because employment for people with disabilities is such an important developing area of need, restaurant owners John Skehan and Larry Houser found it important to support the creation of this program, which supports the needs of the restaurant while also supporting those who may need a little extra support in order to join the workforce.

"These students are so capable," says Skehan. "I went into this not knowing entirely what to expect and they have surpassed my wildest expectations. I see the students bringing their all every day and providing a significant impact to not just morale of our restaurant but also the output of our restaurant."

Says server and parent to a child with autism and other medical needs Lydia Diaz of the program, "It is fabulous! When I arrive, I can get right to serving faster, and the work is impeccable. It gives me great hope for my children as they get older that they will have workforce opportunities such as this."

ABOUT FULLERTON CARES: Awareness, acceptance and action are the pillars of Fullerton Cares, which spreads autism awareness throughout North Orange County and was founded by Lawrence Houser, after being inspired by his son, Boyd, with autism. Raising funds for autism charities and programs in Fullerton schools through organized events, Fullerton Cares was founded in 2010 and has raised over $75,000 for autism initiatives. http://fullertoncares.com/

https://www.facebook.com/FullertonCaresAutismFoundation

ABOUT AUTISM: According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), autism now affects about 1 in every 68 American children, including 1 in 42 boys. Autism is a complex condition that affects a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges.

Media Contact: Jess Block Nerren - 909-706-8525