What began as a Project SEARCH internship has grown into a meaningful career for Isaiah Ortiz, now a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Assistant with the City of Salem’s Public Works Department.
Isaiah helps maintain detailed digital maps that show the outlines of streets, buildings, and other city features—work that requires accuracy, patience, and focus. “With impervious editing, it’s a lot like doodling,” he explains. “You’re creating geometric shapes with a mouse and matching the imagery that’s on there.”
Isaiah participated in Project SEARCH with the City of Salem, a nationally recognized program facilitated by Albertina Kerr. The program helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain competitive, transferable job skills in an inclusive work environment.
During the nine-month program, Isaiah rotated through three City departments. His first rotation was with Public Works. “At first, I was doing data entry—keeping records of traffic signs,” he recalls. “Then I started working on a digitization project, geo-referencing images to create digital assets. It was interesting.”
After completing Project SEARCH in January 2024, Isaiah volunteered with the City’s Public Works Department before being hired as a GIS Assistant—a position he has now held for more than a year. His team values his contributions and is encouraging him to pursue a drone pilot license to continue developing his mapping skills.
Deanna Martins, Isaiah’s Kerr Case Coordinator, provides weekly job coaching to support his professional confidence and work-life balance. “Isaiah’s very independent,” she says. “His confidence has really grown, and it’s been rewarding to see him develop such strong connections with his team.”
Isaiah is also continuing his education and recently began taking classes. “I want to learn more about the cartography side of things,” he says.
Isaiah’s story highlights the value and talent individuals with disabilities bring to workplaces and communities—reflecting the spirit of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
**PHOTOS:** Cover photo: Isaiah at his desk; Top row (left to right): Isaiah edits digital maps; Isaiah and Deanna, Kerr Case Coordinator, check in; Bottom row (left to right): Isaiah presenting about his Project SEARCH internship with the City of Salem, January 2024.