Hundreds of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) work in offices, stores, and restaurants throughout Spokane. One of these restaurants is D.Lish’s Burgers, featuring fresh, never-frozen burgers and fries on Division.
Bill Robinson, a client in The Arc of Spokane’s Individual Supported Employment program, has worked at D.Lish for around ten years. His main responsibilities are keeping the lobby clean for customers and bussing tables. He checks in with customers after they’ve finished, fills disposable cups and lids, and lets the team know of any big spills in the lobby.
But Hunter Schertz, owner of D.Lish, says Bill does more than just clean.
“It’s not about the tasks, but about the character he brings to the lobby. Bill always gives one hundred and ten percent and goes beyond to make it a nice place to dine in. Customers ask for him when he’s not scheduled,” Hunter said.
Bill hasn’t just brought his positive attitude to customers; he’s brought it to his coworkers. Team members enjoy working with him and his sense of humor. Halo, one of Bill’s coworkers for over a year and a half, wholeheartedly agrees that Bill’s attitude is one of her favorite parts of working with him. “He’s very social and sweet. He’s a great worker. I wish he could be here more!”
Bill’s hard work ethic isn’t the only quality he brings to D.Lish. Halo mentioned how he’s helped bring the team together and create an inclusive environment. “The mood is always better when he works,” Halo explained. Bill agreed that he feels included in the D.Lish team and mentioned how much he enjoys every one of his coworkers.
In his over two years as owner, Hunter explained that one of the most positive aspects of working with Bill is seeing how he’s grown in his position. That includes asking for what he needs to do the job well. Hunter chats with Bill’s job coach occasionally to check in. “With the job coach, we know what’s going on with Bill. We’ve enjoyed seeing the support The Arc of Spokane has for specific individuals. It’s been an easy process to work with The Arc.”
When he’s not working, Bill enjoys going to all the speedways in the area and taking photos of racecars. He enjoys getting outside and spending time playing basketball, camping, and fishing. He’s the owner of a Spokane Ghostbusters card, and it’s one of his favorite things to talk about with his coworkers and customers. “When we’re out, people always say hi since they know Bill from D.Lish,” Kelli Jay, his sister, noted.
Hunter, Bill, and his coworkers have seen the positive aspects of hiring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Businesses win as they extend their reach in the community, while helping the community understand the opportunities and positive impact of The Arc's Individual Supported Employment program. “It helps people learn about potential employers. It’s good to see and it inspires people,” Hunter says. “Someone like Bill is a joy to be around. Seeing him work and interact with people is super fun.”
Learn more about how The Arc of Spokane’s Individual Supported Employment program matches people with IDD to jobs in the community that fit their needs and abilities.