Tyler Wideman’s family loves motorcycles –Harley Davidson motorcycles to be exact.
Tyler’s father, Adam Wideman, rides Harleys and his son grew up riding alongside his
father.
Highway 101 Harley Davidson owner Alan Pettit had never hired a person with a
disability before, until job developer Chris Ball approached him with the idea
of hiring Tyler.
“I’ve
been approached by different companies and agencies over the years about hiring
people, but in a retail environment, you have to be careful,” Alan said. “I’ve
known Chris for several years and held a lot of respect for him before he even
approached me about the program. When Chris told me how much Tyler wanted to
work here and what a dream it was for him, I decided to give it a try.”
Tyler,
22, started working at the Harley Davidson store in Coos Bay in April 2016, a
little less than one year after graduating from the Marshfield High School Youth
Transition Program, earning a Certificate of Attendance.
“I
like being around motorcycles,” Tyler said. “I like the people at the store,
and I like making money.”
Tyler,
who has Down syndrome, works 12 hours per week spring through fall. In the
winter when the business is slower, Tyler spends his days participating in
Special Olympics.
Tyler
dusts and polishes bikes, arranges and displays Harley Davidson apparel and
merchandise, details company vehicles, and has janitorial duties inside and
outside of the store.
Tyler’s
father Adam Wideman is happy to see his son productive and working. He said
Tyler had previous work experiences that didn’t go well, and he started to
worry about his son being able to fit in the workforce.
“I
so appreciate Al and Karen giving him a chance,” Adam said. “I was so guarded at
first. Then he got this and he has exceeded expectations.”
Alan
and Karen Pettit, owners of the Highway 101 Harley, said they hope more
employers hire people with disabilities.
“I
think more employers would step up to the plate if they knew how many support
mechanisms are in place to make the employee successful,” Alan said. “I would
be a strong advocate for any employer who wants to talk about this program.”
Tyler
said he enjoys super hero movies and clothes shopping with his paychecks. He
and Alan have a great relationship, and enjoy joking around.
“He
fits in here, the likes the other employees, they like him, and he does a great
job,” Alan said, fist bumping with Tyler, who smiles broadly.
For
Tyler’s dad, seeing his son working in the community, collecting a paycheck and
loving his job is gratifying.
“It
has given him such a boost in his self-esteem, such a sense of belonging,” Adam
said. “For him to be able to say, ‘I work at the Harley shop,’ is a huge boost
for him.”
Barbara
Neils was the VR counselor for Tyler. His service coordinator is Emily McConathy
from Southern Oregon Regional Brokerage. Chris Ball was the job developer and
Star of Hope provides job coaching. Denys Austin was the benefits counselor
from the Work Incentives Network.
You
can also view a photo
slideshow of Tyler at work.