FSACentral is proud to celebrate Disability Employment Awareness month by featuring some people with disabilities who are out in the workforce.
Name: William Chilson Hometown: Stuart, Florida
Employer: Pollo Tropical Position: Dishwasher
Length of time at current job: 2 months
What is the best advice or encouragement you’d give to a fellow self-advocate about accessing or keeping employment?
They can do anything they put their minds to. There isn’t anything they can’t do, even when living with a disability. They should get as much education as possible. Do the best you can do at your job and be willing to work. Be confident during all stages of finding a job and keeping the job.
What’s the most important employment-related challenge you face as a person with a disability?
I have had no challenges at work.
How should we be advocating for better employment opportunities and practices in Florida?
Speak to your boss. Collect all the information about people with disabilities and how hard it is for them to find a job and keep a job so that the boss is aware of this.
Which agency was the most helpful to you in accessing and maintaining employment?
None.
FSACentral would like to thank William Chilson for his time and thoughtful answers he gave during the interview.