Celebrating Our Successes!
Reflecting the important role that different perspectives play in workforce success, this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) theme is “Inclusion Drives Innovation.” Observed each October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents.
The Philadelphia “Employment 1st, Employment NOW!” Steering Committee is celebrating this year’s event with a month of employment success stories. Each day you will be receiving an email containing a new story about someone who is contributing to their community through employment. We invite you to join us as we celebrate their successes!
A Can-Do Atitude!
Keith started working when he was 16 years old. His first job was sweeping the outside of a Deli, and he was paid under the table. Now he looks back on that job where it all started.
Keith has worked now for 30 years in a variety of jobs. These job changes were always at Keith’s direction, with him changing his jobs as he changed and grew, and as his interests changed — yet he always has worked. Keith has worked in a movie theater, a deli, as a landscaper, and at Sesame Place. Currently Keith works at Wal-Mart. He has been trained in many departments at Wal-Mart so that his employer can assign him to work in various departments as needed.
Keith loves the social aspect of work and the friends he makes mean the world to him. He has friends who drive him to the bus after work. Keith was “Employee of the Month” for his reliability, dedication and ‘can do’ attitude. He is always happy to do what is asked of him.
Keith’s friendships include his Supports Coordinator Marcie Filiano and his job coach. Marcie and Keith are close, and he calls her whenever he needs help, direction, or whenever he needs to solve a problem or chat about an issue. Keith’s job coach is also very involved and is there is assist him on the job if needed. Keith really likes to work, likes to feel responsible, and feel needed. He loves being part of a team. Keith is an inspiration to all of us and may he have many more years of doing whatever makes him truly happy.
~ Submitted by Partnerships for Community Supports