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The Secrets of the Hidden Workforce
In
The Secrets of the Hidden Workforce
, Lisa Toth tells readers her story of falling in love with a population of people often overlooked and under valued. Toth not only saw value in the differently-abled, but also their potential to bring something society needed to the table. Always one to root for the underdog, she saw a way she could help by identifying the right jobs and find onramps for them to join the workforce. Toth created a staffing agency to do just this - help this gifted group of people find work that they can be proud of and find fufilling.
The book is written in a memoir style, full of stories and lessons learned. Be prepared to be inspired as you learn about the good, the bad and the ugly. Toth shares it all with refreshing honesty, while making a compelling case for embracing diversity and inclusivity for this often underemployed population.
The book is written in a memoir style, full of stories and lessons learned. Be prepared to be inspired as you learn about the good, the bad and the ugly. Toth shares it all with refreshing honesty, while making a compelling case for embracing diversity and inclusivity for this often underemployed population.
144 pages, Hardcover
Published March 5, 2024
2 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
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March 29, 2024
Thank you in advance to the author (Lisa Toth) and publisher (Yorkshire Publishing) for providing a complimentary review copy through iRead Book Tours. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
This is not typically the kind of book I would read. But, as someone with a special needs relative (moderate to significant impairment), I enjoy seeing people give him a chance to work, and at least feel some sense of accomplishment even if he can’t express it all the way and I can’t understand his speech.
There are so many misconceptions about what developmentally challenged people can do. And, it’s sad that there is still – even in 2024 – some cruelty regarding these individuals. Most of it is permeated throughout social media. I know Instagram and Facebook get overwhelmingly toxic at times.
A few days earlier (when I was drafting this review), I was spending some time (as I usually do) on social media. I had to put my phone down after reading a horrible comment on a mother’s Instagram reel.
It was a sweet and real moment in a Target between a mother and daughter regarding inflation and the price of clothes. The daughter (age 9) was using one forearm crutch, she couldn’t move well, and was speaking slowly. She read the price tag of the nightshirt she wanted. It was $17 and the girl sweetly commented about the price. One of the hashtags was: #CerebralPalsy. A very nasty woman commented “talks like a baby” about the girl.
I commented that the person should delete the comment. I felt it was hateful and bigoted.
Another person was horrified by the mother’s reel and unfollowed the woman for “exploiting her child”.
What I learned from a few posts – Abigail is a MODEL for Target, as well as other brands. Talk about inspiring. And, Abigail is doing a “job” within her potential – modeling clothes.
So, the author’s book is quite relevant whether one would believe it or not.
And, did I mention we’re in 2024? Almost the fourth (4th) month?
It seems society should be past the bigotry towards disabled people.
Given the sensitive nature of the topic – this might have some potential triggers. Even the author states there are things going on politically she doesn’t understand. She does make a slight reference of the volatile opinions on abortion, as well as a nod to mass shootings. There is also a very good, but controversial mention of “half-truths” (which spread like wildfire on social media). There is also mention of abuse and in care facilities. Sadly, this continues to this day. Another contentious issue – a disabled person dying in police custody due to the police’s inability to understand the situation, and a lack of accountability.
Toth starts with an introduction about the discrimination faced by these individuals, and becoming aware of it at an early age. The author’s parents went so far as to forbade her to interact with a neighbor’s child. I honestly can’t imagine that shallow of a mind. While not trying to make light of it – their condition isn’t communicable like a virus.
The author then takes readers through her early work experiences with certain patients, though changing their names for privacy. I could’ve dealt without some of the more “graphic” stuff. It seemed, in some ways, too much information. Some might say “exploitative”. Though, I understood her motives, it was a bit uncomfortable.
The book also delves into some sexual topics as well. Such as discussing the topic of intimacy with and between Intellectually Disabled and Developmentally Disabled (ID/DD) individuals.
Each step of the way, the author learned something about working with and assisting ID/DD patients and clients.
She’s made some remarkable efforts and plans. Her experiences within certain fields has given her the motivation to create her agency. And, those experiences also provide educational points along the way. It is very evident that the author feels extremely passionate about her work, even after all of those experiences.
It is clear that the employment sector still has a long way to go to, as well as the medical sector. There is a lot of bias and discrimination towards the senior and physically disabled communities, so there stands to reason there is undoubtedly even more bias and discrimination towards ID/DD people. And, there shouldn’t be.
The passion Toth exudes is also evident in her writing. She comes across as casual and informative. Sometimes, too informative. But, this could easily be a seminar or a casual conversation between colleagues.
Toth’s book should be read by individuals who make hiring decisions, as well as those in the medical community. There is information in this, as well as ideas, that would foster better communication.
As someone not in those fields, I didn’t get the same impact. But, I will say that Toth is on the right path. I wish there were more people like her.
The book is an easy and short read. I read it in about a day.
I would’ve liked to see more resource information for ID/DD individuals and their families.
This is not typically the kind of book I would read. But, as someone with a special needs relative (moderate to significant impairment), I enjoy seeing people give him a chance to work, and at least feel some sense of accomplishment even if he can’t express it all the way and I can’t understand his speech.
There are so many misconceptions about what developmentally challenged people can do. And, it’s sad that there is still – even in 2024 – some cruelty regarding these individuals. Most of it is permeated throughout social media. I know Instagram and Facebook get overwhelmingly toxic at times.
A few days earlier (when I was drafting this review), I was spending some time (as I usually do) on social media. I had to put my phone down after reading a horrible comment on a mother’s Instagram reel.
It was a sweet and real moment in a Target between a mother and daughter regarding inflation and the price of clothes. The daughter (age 9) was using one forearm crutch, she couldn’t move well, and was speaking slowly. She read the price tag of the nightshirt she wanted. It was $17 and the girl sweetly commented about the price. One of the hashtags was: #CerebralPalsy. A very nasty woman commented “talks like a baby” about the girl.
I commented that the person should delete the comment. I felt it was hateful and bigoted.
Another person was horrified by the mother’s reel and unfollowed the woman for “exploiting her child”.
What I learned from a few posts – Abigail is a MODEL for Target, as well as other brands. Talk about inspiring. And, Abigail is doing a “job” within her potential – modeling clothes.
So, the author’s book is quite relevant whether one would believe it or not.
And, did I mention we’re in 2024? Almost the fourth (4th) month?
It seems society should be past the bigotry towards disabled people.
Given the sensitive nature of the topic – this might have some potential triggers. Even the author states there are things going on politically she doesn’t understand. She does make a slight reference of the volatile opinions on abortion, as well as a nod to mass shootings. There is also a very good, but controversial mention of “half-truths” (which spread like wildfire on social media). There is also mention of abuse and in care facilities. Sadly, this continues to this day. Another contentious issue – a disabled person dying in police custody due to the police’s inability to understand the situation, and a lack of accountability.
Toth starts with an introduction about the discrimination faced by these individuals, and becoming aware of it at an early age. The author’s parents went so far as to forbade her to interact with a neighbor’s child. I honestly can’t imagine that shallow of a mind. While not trying to make light of it – their condition isn’t communicable like a virus.
The author then takes readers through her early work experiences with certain patients, though changing their names for privacy. I could’ve dealt without some of the more “graphic” stuff. It seemed, in some ways, too much information. Some might say “exploitative”. Though, I understood her motives, it was a bit uncomfortable.
The book also delves into some sexual topics as well. Such as discussing the topic of intimacy with and between Intellectually Disabled and Developmentally Disabled (ID/DD) individuals.
Each step of the way, the author learned something about working with and assisting ID/DD patients and clients.
She’s made some remarkable efforts and plans. Her experiences within certain fields has given her the motivation to create her agency. And, those experiences also provide educational points along the way. It is very evident that the author feels extremely passionate about her work, even after all of those experiences.
It is clear that the employment sector still has a long way to go to, as well as the medical sector. There is a lot of bias and discrimination towards the senior and physically disabled communities, so there stands to reason there is undoubtedly even more bias and discrimination towards ID/DD people. And, there shouldn’t be.
The passion Toth exudes is also evident in her writing. She comes across as casual and informative. Sometimes, too informative. But, this could easily be a seminar or a casual conversation between colleagues.
Toth’s book should be read by individuals who make hiring decisions, as well as those in the medical community. There is information in this, as well as ideas, that would foster better communication.
As someone not in those fields, I didn’t get the same impact. But, I will say that Toth is on the right path. I wish there were more people like her.
The book is an easy and short read. I read it in about a day.
I would’ve liked to see more resource information for ID/DD individuals and their families.
March 12, 2024
In "The Secrets of the Hidden Workforce," Lisa Toth invites readers into her personal journey of discovering the immense value within a segment of society that is often overlooked and undervalued. It's not just a book; it's a heartfelt narrative of love and advocacy for the differently-abled community. Toth's passion shines through as she recognizes their worth and the unique contributions they bring to the table.
As someone who's always rooted for the underdog, Toth saw an opportunity to make a difference by creating a staffing agency dedicated to connecting these talented individuals with meaningful employment opportunities. Through anecdotes and real-life experiences, she paints a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs encountered along the way.
What makes this book truly impactful is Toth's unfiltered honesty. She doesn't shy away from discussing the hurdles faced or the moments of doubt. Yet, amidst the struggles, there's an unwavering belief in the power of diversity and inclusivity. Each page is filled with inspiration, urging readers to reevaluate their perceptions and embrace the richness of human differences.
"The Secrets of the Hidden Workforce" is informative and a catalyst for change. It reminds us that every individual deserves a chance to thrive and contribute to society. At just 144 pages, it's a quick yet profound read that leaves a lasting impression. Thought-provoking and eye-opening, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the challenges faced by differently abled individuals and the transformative impact of acceptance and opportunity.
I received a digital copy of the book for an iReadBookTour. This review is my honest opinion.
Learn more about this book and author on my website: https://ginaraemitchell.com/hidden-wo....
As someone who's always rooted for the underdog, Toth saw an opportunity to make a difference by creating a staffing agency dedicated to connecting these talented individuals with meaningful employment opportunities. Through anecdotes and real-life experiences, she paints a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs encountered along the way.
What makes this book truly impactful is Toth's unfiltered honesty. She doesn't shy away from discussing the hurdles faced or the moments of doubt. Yet, amidst the struggles, there's an unwavering belief in the power of diversity and inclusivity. Each page is filled with inspiration, urging readers to reevaluate their perceptions and embrace the richness of human differences.
"The Secrets of the Hidden Workforce" is informative and a catalyst for change. It reminds us that every individual deserves a chance to thrive and contribute to society. At just 144 pages, it's a quick yet profound read that leaves a lasting impression. Thought-provoking and eye-opening, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the challenges faced by differently abled individuals and the transformative impact of acceptance and opportunity.
I received a digital copy of the book for an iReadBookTour. This review is my honest opinion.
Learn more about this book and author on my website: https://ginaraemitchell.com/hidden-wo....
March 19, 2024
The Secrets Of The Hidden Workforce is such an inspiring, shocking, and fascinating book. It will open your mind, your heart, and your eyes up to those around you that have different abilities due to developmental or learning disabilities. But disability isn’t always equal to inability.
Lisa shares with us her true story of how she came to work with those different than her, and how she’s always had a caring and positive attitude toward them. She gives us real examples of hardships people with these disabilities can experience. Some that may be expected, and others that are truly tragic and hard to think about. But she doesn’t leave things with a hopeless takeaway.
She highlights how her work shifted and she made her own business where she made the rules and oversaw treatment, and how she switched from caring directly for patients to helping these individuals find jobs and have a better and more positive life experience- truly. It teaches the readers to not have assumption-based approaches to this community. It teaches to include them in our lives and respect them, and also recognize that they have wants and needs just like anyone and everyone else does. And they are capable of many things. Many people just don’t give them the chance because they base their abilities off of what they read in a book, rather than listening and asking them what they CAN or WANT to do.
Overall, this was such a powerful read.
I rate this:
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars (5/5 Stars)
Lisa shares with us her true story of how she came to work with those different than her, and how she’s always had a caring and positive attitude toward them. She gives us real examples of hardships people with these disabilities can experience. Some that may be expected, and others that are truly tragic and hard to think about. But she doesn’t leave things with a hopeless takeaway.
She highlights how her work shifted and she made her own business where she made the rules and oversaw treatment, and how she switched from caring directly for patients to helping these individuals find jobs and have a better and more positive life experience- truly. It teaches the readers to not have assumption-based approaches to this community. It teaches to include them in our lives and respect them, and also recognize that they have wants and needs just like anyone and everyone else does. And they are capable of many things. Many people just don’t give them the chance because they base their abilities off of what they read in a book, rather than listening and asking them what they CAN or WANT to do.
Overall, this was such a powerful read.
I rate this:
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars (5/5 Stars)
March 21, 2024
"Here in the great state of Oklahoma, there is absolutely zero tolerance for abortion, and people believe that life begins at conception. If that's the case, then it means that everybody who lives here should be respected and treated the exact same way and have the exact same rights and access to the exact same services. But that's not the case."
I underlined this quote in my copy of the book and I'm so glad it was said right at the beginning. The author has many great quotable lines in the book, but this one was my favorite. People with disabilities are always overlooked and as a sister of someone with disabilities I'm glad that there are people like Lisa in this world. I like that we get to know her a bit in this book; she was told as a child to stay away from anyone with a disability and as soon as she was able to she began working with them. I like that she includes some good and bad time in her book and how each person was different. I don't think a lot of people know how different each person with disabilities is from each other so what might work with one patient or client won't work with another.
I felt some filers were lacking, like the resumes. Maybe an example of one with someone who has no experience would have been better than explaining how many times your pdf can be used. I do like that after the resume section she gave an example of a workday of one their clients.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy memoirs and to those who are thinking of getting into this type of work. It's messy, hard, and rewarding which is all addressed in this book.
I underlined this quote in my copy of the book and I'm so glad it was said right at the beginning. The author has many great quotable lines in the book, but this one was my favorite. People with disabilities are always overlooked and as a sister of someone with disabilities I'm glad that there are people like Lisa in this world. I like that we get to know her a bit in this book; she was told as a child to stay away from anyone with a disability and as soon as she was able to she began working with them. I like that she includes some good and bad time in her book and how each person was different. I don't think a lot of people know how different each person with disabilities is from each other so what might work with one patient or client won't work with another.
I felt some filers were lacking, like the resumes. Maybe an example of one with someone who has no experience would have been better than explaining how many times your pdf can be used. I do like that after the resume section she gave an example of a workday of one their clients.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy memoirs and to those who are thinking of getting into this type of work. It's messy, hard, and rewarding which is all addressed in this book.
March 23, 2024
I received an advance review book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Lisa Toth and iRead Book Tours. I'm excited to be a part of this tour!
Wow! What an inspiring read. In The Secrets of the Hidden Workforce, author Lisa Toth takes the reader on her journey of falling in love with a population of people often overlooked and undervalued. In them, Toth not only saw value in the differently abled, but also their potential to bring something society needed to the table. Always one to root for the underdog, she saw a way she could help by identifying the right jobs and finding onramps for them to join the workforce. Toth created a staffing agency to do just this – help this gifted group of people find work they can be proud of and find fulfilling.
Written as a memoir, this book is full of stories and lessons learned. I appreciate how authentically the author wrote this book. She includes the good, the bad, and the ugly. Downs Syndrome is near and dear to my heart, and I also appreciated how respectfully the author told the story of a friend she had with a small child with Downs Syndrome. The love for her friend and child is clear and is what drove her to start her own agency helping differently abled people find meaningful employment.
This book is well written and inspiring. I was engaged from start to finish and enjoyed this ride through Lisa’s professional life helping those who need it most. My favorite part of the book was the introduction to her staff. I enjoyed meeting them. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to learn more about the topic.
Wow! What an inspiring read. In The Secrets of the Hidden Workforce, author Lisa Toth takes the reader on her journey of falling in love with a population of people often overlooked and undervalued. In them, Toth not only saw value in the differently abled, but also their potential to bring something society needed to the table. Always one to root for the underdog, she saw a way she could help by identifying the right jobs and finding onramps for them to join the workforce. Toth created a staffing agency to do just this – help this gifted group of people find work they can be proud of and find fulfilling.
Written as a memoir, this book is full of stories and lessons learned. I appreciate how authentically the author wrote this book. She includes the good, the bad, and the ugly. Downs Syndrome is near and dear to my heart, and I also appreciated how respectfully the author told the story of a friend she had with a small child with Downs Syndrome. The love for her friend and child is clear and is what drove her to start her own agency helping differently abled people find meaningful employment.
This book is well written and inspiring. I was engaged from start to finish and enjoyed this ride through Lisa’s professional life helping those who need it most. My favorite part of the book was the introduction to her staff. I enjoyed meeting them. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to learn more about the topic.
March 25, 2024
This is a read on the author and how she created job placement and help for the developmentally different in our world. I loved this book on the author’s life journey in order to help these people and to also tell the world her story of how it happened.
The author tells a very emotional story of how they started working with developmentally different people from across the country and also how she worked on finding them help and getting them settled in to their life. I love the stories about the developmentally different people as I work with these types of people on a daily basis as well and they all have their strengths and weaknesses like normal people.
I really enjoyed the book as you get to follow the author to all the places she worked for in her life until she gets to talking about Rise Staffing and the radio show that she created so that she can help the differently abled to work in various industries and professions.
This is a book that I hope everyone will read as it really tells people that the differently abled are just trying to go through life in the same way as everyone else. They are trying to get jobs, make an impact on the world, maybe get married to someone else, etc.
The author tells a very emotional story of how they started working with developmentally different people from across the country and also how she worked on finding them help and getting them settled in to their life. I love the stories about the developmentally different people as I work with these types of people on a daily basis as well and they all have their strengths and weaknesses like normal people.
I really enjoyed the book as you get to follow the author to all the places she worked for in her life until she gets to talking about Rise Staffing and the radio show that she created so that she can help the differently abled to work in various industries and professions.
This is a book that I hope everyone will read as it really tells people that the differently abled are just trying to go through life in the same way as everyone else. They are trying to get jobs, make an impact on the world, maybe get married to someone else, etc.
March 26, 2024
In The Secrets of the Hidden Workforce Lisa Toth takes us on her journey of rooting for the underdog. Toth creates a agency of staff that work with the differently abled to get them into jobs that best meets their ability and sets them up for success. The Secrets of the Hidden Workforce opened my eyes and shocked me to the core learning how individuals who have physical/learning disabilities can be treated. I loved how Toth took the time to get to know them and treated them with respect and kindness as everyone deserves to be shown. We follow the story of different characters through Lisa Toth's eyes and some I loved and others I disliked but like Toth says that is life, you won't like everyone. I feel like this is such a powerful story in a short book and it's very thought provoking. I will be thinking about this inspiring read for a long time to come.
March 24, 2024
This fascinating book is several stories in one. I thought the personal stories of people she worked with were very interesting. They were also very telling about how people can treat others. The author recognizes that everyone has dignity and can add their skills to the workforce.
March 11, 2024
This book was so inspiring. As a retired nurse that worked with developmentally challenged children, I have seen first hand how difficult it can be for them to get jobs and be the adults we all know they can be in the world. I loved reading the stories and accomplishments Lisa was able to accomplish. It really touched my heart and I just loved every second. This is an easy quick read that I highly recommend.
March 24, 2024
I enjoy reading Lisa Toth's The Secrets of the Hidden Workforce. I honestly was not sure what to expect in the beginning but quickly found it to be a beautiful book to read. Lisa starts off her journey as a radio show host who wanted to make a change help those with developmental disabilities to have an opportunity at job placements. Her determination to overcome the struggles, obstacles, and others who would stand in her way was truly inspiring. She would not give up and continued to do what was right for those who deserved to be in the workforce. She believed with customized training, each individual would find the right fit with their strengths. I admired her tenacity and perseverance. I loved the inclusion of some photographs of those she helped along the way doing what they love to do. It was another bonus reading more stories and updates about her sweet stories. I could not help but to smile from to time reading about them. A wonderful book to read. I loved it.
I believe The Secrets of the Hidden Workforce is a five star read. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading inspiring memoirs. I would love to read more updated stories about Lisa Toth and her friends.
I received a hard cover of Lisa Toth's The Secrets of the Hidden Workforce from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I believe The Secrets of the Hidden Workforce is a five star read. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading inspiring memoirs. I would love to read more updated stories about Lisa Toth and her friends.
I received a hard cover of Lisa Toth's The Secrets of the Hidden Workforce from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews