Outside the Box: Reaching Beyond Barriers to Develop Self-Employment and Community Opportunities

Steve Mannard is a 26-year-old Des Moines native who lives with his parents and loves the outdoors.  Steve’s employment journey took a turn when his three-year career at the local fire station ended after an unfortunate incident.  Traditional employment options didn’t fit Steve’s unique needs and so collaboration and creative thinking led to the creation of a community art studio and Steve’s own business!  With support from his family and job coach, Steve is creating and selling artwork on-line through his website www.PaintingOutsideTheLines.org.

Chuck Goodwin

Steve Mannard

Steve Mannard has lived in Des Moines, WA all his life.  He loves the outdoors, painting, and being with his family.  Steve attended school in the Highline School District, and eventually graduated from the Community Based Services transition program when he was 21 years old.  Steve is non-verbal, diagnosed with Potocky-Lupsky syndrome and autism.  After school, Steve worked for three years shredding paper for South King Fire and Rescue.  An unfortunate behavioral event at work led to Steve losing his job.  Given Steve’s love for art, his parents worked with ENSO staff to create a business for Steve where he sells his art on-line.  Steve has a job coach from ENSO that supports him as he paints, weaves and expands his skills. 

Judy Mannard

Judy Mannard has spent her life in Des Moines, WA.  She and her husband have 2 daughters and a son.  As a Mechanical Engineer, Judy worked at Boeing and as an engineering instructor at Highline College.  When her son Steve finished his public-school program, she stopped work to be home with him.  After Steve lost his job at the fire station, and neither a job coach or another job was available, Judy helped Steve start his own business, Painting Outside the Lines.  Steve sells his paintings, weaving, cards and other art on-line.  To provide a more social environment for Steve to work in, Judy also created Des Moines Open Door Arts, an art program for adults with disabilities.  This allows Steve and others a unique opportunity to come together in a safe, welcoming, creative space to make art!

Lindsay Mora

Lindsay Mora has known Steve his entire life.   She began providing residential support services for Steve in 2022.   When Steve’s business was created she was recruited as a job coach.  Having Lindsay as his job coach has provided Steve the support he needs to expand his talents  and skills.

Chuck Goodwin

Chuck Goodwin has worked for over 30 years with individuals with developmental disabilities in a variety of capacities. He has worked in both the residential and vocational arenas providing direct support for individuals. For the past 13 years as a private consultant around the Northwest, he has provided trainings on such subjects as positive behavioral supports, history and values around services, job coaching, supporting individuals with challenging behaviors, precision training, natural supports, utilizing community resources, and vocational issues. He has provided technical assistance to employment agencies around teaching individuals difficult tasks using universal design, understanding and supporting individuals with challenging behaviors, creating schedules, analyzing and modifying work flow issues, working with speed and quality issues, and teaching self-management. His passion is helping individuals who are struggling to find success. He continues to work individually with people and their families to help them realize their potential.