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Pensacola Man Hits a Home Run in the Workplace

PENSACOLA, FL -One job isn't enough for Stewart Roberts. During the summer, the Pensacola man enjoys two part-time jobs and the adoration of his fans. Roberts has a developmental disability. During October, which is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is putting the spotlight on Floridians like Roberts who have careers and fulfilling lives.

Roberts is diagnosed with spina bifida and uses a wheelchair. During baseball season, he wheels himself to the center of the diamond to give prizes away during Pensacola Pelicans home games. He started working for the team as a volunteer about three years ago. But his outgoing personality proved an asset to the team, and he quickly became a customer relations representative on a seasonal, part-time basis. As a Pelicans Ambassador, he hosts the Fan Services booth at Pelican Park, on the campus of the University of West Florida, greeting visitors and answering their questions.

"He's a fan favorite," says Jason Libbert, the ball club's media relations director. "Stewart is very friendly and talkative, and he does a lot for the organization, including speaking engagements. He loves his job and it shows."

Roberts' other part-time job is year-round at the Gulf Breeze, FL, headquarters of Studer Group, a health care consulting firm. Studer Group's CEO, Quint Studer, also owns the Pelicans. For about a year, Roberts has worked at Studer Group on Fridays as a finance clerk. His duties include collating materials for meetings, filing documents, and making labels for CDs, DVDs, and envelopes.

"He's very dependable, even during baseball season," say Theresa Waggoner, a fellow finance clerk at Studer Group. "Stewart enjoys socializing, so he never passes up a chance to go to lunch with the gang. And he just loves meetings and wishes we had more of them!"

Although Roberts receives services from APD to help him live and work in his community, supported employment services are not among them. He secured both of his jobs entirely on his own, and they bring him a lot of meaning and satisfaction.

About his job at Studer Group, Roberts often says, "I love Fridays, because that's when I get to come here!"

APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit apd.myflorida.com or call toll-free 1-866-APD-CARES (1-866-273-2273).

REMINDER FOR MEDIA---When reporting on stories about people with disabilities, remember to use language that puts the person first, rather than the disability. For example, use phrases such as "persons with disabilities" (instead of "the disabled") and "person who uses a wheelchair" (rather than "wheelchair bound").