Welcome to One Team, where we highlight standout members of Citizen Advocates’ 800-strong team.
As an employment specialist with Citizen Advocates’ Career Visions program, Elaine Dewar helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) achieve meaningful, competitive employment in their communities. Through personalized, person-centered approaches, she works closely with individuals to identify their interests, strengths and career goals while building relationships with local employers who recognize the value of inclusive hiring.
Below is Elaine’s story—in her own words.
Personal Journey and Motivation
What first brought you to Citizen Advocates, and what has kept you here for more than 20 years?
My only brother is nonverbal and has autism. I grew up in Canada, and he was very well taken care of. That experience has always stayed with me.
Life circumstances brought me to Saranac Lake in 2004, and I started working in Citizen Advocates’ pre-vocational department, back when we were still operating sheltered workshops. When we transitioned to helping people find employment in the community, I joined the Career Visions team in 2018. I had doubts at first, but I was so wrong—community inclusion is absolutely the way to go. Employment changes lives.
For me, it’s about realizing each person’s potential. The more I do this work, the more I see how important relationships are. I look for three qualities: honesty, commitment and reliability. And our clients have those in spades. I’ve worked with individuals who haven’t missed a day of work in three years.
Supporting Employment Goals
How do you support individuals in achieving their employment goals through Career Visions?
We start with a discovery process, where I meet with the individual and their family to understand what kind of work they’d like to do. Then we explore volunteer opportunities at local nonprofits to see what they like doing.
I have strong connections in the community, and I use those every day—sometimes bringing individuals with me to meet employers, sometimes going ahead on their behalf. It all depends on what each person is comfortable with. Everything we do is person-centered.
Right now, I support more than 20 individuals through both OPWDD (Office for People With Developmental Disabilities) and ACCES-VR (Adult Career & Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation). With the ACCES team, I’m now working with high school kids who are graduating and ready to get into the workforce. That’s exciting because it’s different than what I’ve done thus far.
What are some common misconceptions about individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities in the workforce?
Often, people don’t recognize the capabilities of people with IDD. They make assumptions before getting to know the person and understanding what their potential really is. Part of my role is educating employers about the strengths these individuals bring to the job. Inclusive hiring isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business decision.
How do you find job opportunities for your clients?
It’s a mix of online job searches and real-world networking. I’m always making connections, whether I’m on the clock or not. One of my clients has been working at a hotel for four years now—all because of a conversation I had with a friend at Titus Mountain. That job was literally hashed out on a chairlift.
Community and Regional Advantages
What makes the Saranac Lake community unique when it comes to supporting inclusive employment?
We’re in a tourist region with a lot of seasonal jobs. Clients can work with the DEC (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation) in the summer or at Whiteface Mountain in the winter. There are so many hotels, which means there are lots of service jobs available.
Musical Background and Community Connections
You’re also a professional violinist. How does music fit into your life and work?
Before moving to Saranac Lake, I was a full-time musician and teacher. I still play with the Orchestra of Northern New York, maintain a small teaching studio, sub with the Vermont Symphony and lead a community orchestra in the Tri-Lakes. I also play with the band, the Dust Bunnies, and dance with the Canoodlers and Soma Beats.
One of the individuals I support has become a huge music fan and now regularly attends concerts. That’s connected him to so many people in the community—and when he was looking for work, those connections really helped. Being involved in community life makes all the difference.
Advice and Philosophy
What advice would you give someone new to the field of employment support?
Take the time to find a job that will work for the client and the employer. If you do the research and preparation to find the right fit, that employee could be with the company for years and years.
What keeps you grounded outside of work?
One of the things that makes me tick is the water. Swimming is one of my greatest therapies. Once the water is 60 degrees, I swim every morning in Lake Flower. It’s better than a cup of coffee.
If you’re interested in learning more about a career at Citizen Advocates, visit citizenadvocates.net/careers.
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