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Tallahassee Woman is Valued Team Member

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Wendy McCollum is a hard worker and a pleasure to work with, according to her co-workers in a retail store. The Tallahassee woman, who has a disability, also recently became a new homeowner. During October, which is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is putting the spotlight on Floridians like McCollum who have careers and fulfilling lives.

McCollum is diagnosed with cerebral palsy and usually uses a wheelchair for mobility, although sometimes she uses a walker. She has worked as a team member in a Tallahassee Target store for over four years---hanging merchandise on hangers in the clothing department and keeping the displays organized. Her supervisor, Jasmine Greene, described her as "punctual and dependable."

"Wendy is quite efficient, and is always willing to do more," said Greene, the executive team leader. "She is also very communicative. Wendy likes to talk a lot, so she always brings smiles to the faces of her co-workers."

"It feels great to have a job, especially for someone like me," McCollum said. "Most employers don't look at what you can do, but only what you can't. I have a lot of nice people that work with me. They understand my circumstances and they're very accommodating."

McCollum moved into her own home about five months ago, thanks to Habitat for Humanity. This big move began with an application process and many meetings.

"It was overwhelming at first," McCollum recalled. "But as I went to the meetings and started to contribute my sweat equity, it started to fall into place pretty quickly."

Sweat equity is the portion of the down payment that the applicant contributes by working on some aspect of the Habitat Home's construction. McCollum's family and friends contributed some of the work, but she is very proud of the work that she did herself---in the local Habitat for Humanity office. Her new home is customized with special features just for her, including doorways wide enough for wheelchairs, a kitchen with low countertops, and a cooktop and oven that are just the right height.

"It's a lot better than a one-bedroom apartment," McCollum said proudly.

McCollum is able to enjoy a fulfilling life by being employed, which is one of the goals of APD. The agency assists McCollum in reaching her goals by providing services such as supported employment, supported living, and personal care assistance.

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 www.apd.myflorida.com or call 1-866-APD-CARES (1 866 273 2273).

CAPTION FOR PHOTO---Wendy McCollum takes care of business at the fitting room desk in a local Target store.

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").