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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 29, 2010 |
CONTACT: Melanie Mowry Etters Communications Director (850) 488-4257 |
Richardson works to help others with disabilities
By Melanie Mowry Etters • special to the Tallahassee DemocratBUSHNELL—Like most young people, Chassity Richardson wants to buy a car. However, her vehicle won't be straight off the lot. She will need to have the controls modified for someone who cannot use their legs.
Richardson, 27, was born with spina bifida, which requires her to use a wheelchair for mobility. She has worked in the Wildwood area office of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities for three years. She has been saving her money for her car while living at home. She relies on public transportation to get her from her home in Bushnell to the Wildwood office.
"In the future, I plan on getting a driver's license and a vehicle so I can drive myself to work," Richardson says.
She not only works for APD, she also receives services from the agency. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. APD is highlighting the contributions of people with disabilities, like Richardson, to the work force.
Her job duties include answering the main telephone line for the office and data entry. Before being cross-trained to assist with the management of incident reports, Richardson assisted the area trainer with organizing, coordinating, and scheduling training for providers.
"Chassity is not afraid to speak up for herself. Recently, she asked for new work duties to vary her experience," said area administrator Clarence Lewis.
In addition to her previous work in the training unit, Richardson has spoken to other people with disabilities about employment supported by the agency at training sessions. APD's Cindy Drew says Richardson's remarks were very effective with the audience and she did a great job.
"Chassity is a valued member of our APD team, despite the many challenges she faces with her disability, her attitude is always positive," Lewis said.
This series of profiles continues throughout October, Disability Employment Awareness Month. APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities. The agency annually serves about 35,000 Floridians. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org or call toll-free 1-866-APD-CARES (1-866-273-2273).