Bonna Heng,
Matt Poischbeg,
Caralee Campbell

At SEA-LECT “working with and watching employees grow in both job skills and self esteem is truly gratifying.”

The mind-set of occupational philanthropy is extended by Matt Poischbeg, the vice-president and general manager of SEA-LECT Plastics Corporation, an organization with an extensive and convivial relationship with Washington Vocational Services.

Throughout its lengthy history, SEA-LECT Plastics has made a substantial impact with the company’s customers in many different markets with its consistent dedication to quality. A story not often shown in business reports is fruitful impact the company has made in the quality of life for many productive employees with disabilities. SEA-LECT has afforded many employees training opportunities and great jobs.

SEA-LECT’s philosophy permeates the structure of its occupational atmosphere. Poischbeg insists, “I love the independence and confidence one can develop in a working environment and in addition to that, development of self-esteem. The workplace can also be a setting in which people forge meaningful friendships.”

SEA-LECT Plastics has truly been a friend to those with disabilities. Recently decorated with the Governor’s Award for its relentless commitment in working with local agencies that provide employment assistance, SEA-LECT’s dedication goes beyond its extended record of employing candidates with disabilities. The business’ benevolence was demonstrated not too long ago during a fund raising event for the ARC of Snohomish County attended by WVS, where the corporation’s owners bestowed a generous financial gift to continue the vitality of services offered to families of those with disabilities within the community. SEA-LECT has also allowed WVS conduct two on-site work skill assessments at their facility this year alone, enabling us to acquire a better understanding of our customer’s vocational skills.   

Dan Eberle,Governor's
Committee on Disability
Issues, Matt Poischbeg, Sea-
Lect Plastics Corporation
and Karen Walters,
Chairperson WSBLN

Washington Vocational Services is undoubtedly grateful to enjoy such a remarkable relationship with SEA-LECT. We would like to thank SEA-LECT for being such a champion of a truly diversified workplace. If you would like to contact SEA-LECT Plastics, please visit their website www.Sealect-usa.com or reach them via telephone at (425) 339-0288.

Jim Mullen, UAA Director of HR, Siobhan Aalman,SeniorConsultant HR, Sandy Powley, Senior Consultant HR, Ryan Belnap, TRIO/UAA HR Consultant

In an open letter to WVS:

"In July 2007 HR Director Jan Parten invited Lynne Sauvé from Alyeska Vocational Services to give the HR Consultants a presentation about what she does to help persons with disabilities find employment. After the presentation UAA established a liaison position between Alyeska Vocational Services and UAA HR. Together AVS and I agreed to work closely together to help AVS clients apply for positions at UAA, tracking clients through the UAA search processes, ensuring that clients’ requests for reasonable accommodation are processed and problem-solving on how to improve the access to employment for persons with disabilities. Over the past 18 months my eyes and mind have been opened to the challenges that persons with disabilities face with employment. Lynne has educated me about the staggering rate of unemployment for individuals living with disabilities, yet qualified to work. UAA staff have learned that part of the battle is the perception that hiring authorities have about disabilities Jim Mullen, UAA Director of HR, Siobhan Aalman,Senior Consultant HR, Sandy Powley, Senior Consultant HR, Ryan Belnap, TRIO/UAA HR Consultant and how that keeps qualified, eager-to-work applicants out of the labor force. AVS has taught me about assistive technology that allows employees with disabilities to perform the same job duties as their co-workers. AVS introduced UAA HR staff to an employment consortium in Anchorage and continues to keep me plugged in to community programs and events that give UAA more opportunities to expand our message that we are a welcoming employer for individuals with disabilities and that we are here to assist anyone with applying for positions and adjusting to positions based on their specific needs."

"AVS staff and I speak several times each week to work directly with HR Consultants and the Office of Campus Diversity and Compliance to discuss accommodations for AVS clients. Every week I generate a list of AVS clients and their strengths so that HR Consultants can keep them in mind for temporary positions, other open positions or keep me-up-to date on how folks are doing with their job searches. I also review AVS customers’ resumes with Lynne. To date, one of AVS’ clients has been offered employment. Another client was recently interviewed for a position."

"In conclusion, I think that AVS & UAA and I have built a positive, fruitful partnership. Our goal is to keep working at ways to make employment at UAA more accessible to individuals living with disabilities."

Siobhan Aalmann, University Alaska Anchorage

	Job Title	Wages/hr
	Floral Clerk	$8.00
	Fish Market Staff	$10.00
	Intern	$8.37
	Customer Service Representative	$11.50
	Office Janitor	$8.75
	Shop Helper	$12.00
	Cart Attendant	$8.00
	Cook	$10.00
	Research Tech	$14.00
	Product Demonstrator	$7.93
	Injection Mold Machine Attendant	$8.00
	Store Associate	$8.60
	Laundry Assistant	$9.50
	Parcel Clerk	$7.93
	Stock Clerk	$9.65
	Receptionist	$10.00
	Material Handler	$7.93
	Network P/T Technical Assistant	$16.20
	Warehouse Assistant	$12.00
	Demonstrator	$9.00
	Quality Systems Specialist	$31.00
	Average Wage	$10.33