We want to hear about your employment or entrepreneurial success story! NDSS is featuring stories from across the country from the perspective of employees and entrepreneurs with Down syndrome. Please complete the form below and submit a picture of a self-advocate in action!
My son, Christopher, is happily employed at Publix! Christopher was born in England and moved to Florida at six years old, where he attended Crystal Springs Elementary School and went on to Palm Avenue Exceptional Student Center. At the Exceptional Student Center, he worked through the job enclave program, which placed him at the Holiday Inn, St. Catherine’s, Dignity You Wear, and UF Health Shands Hospital. The vocational training he received at the Exceptional Student Center prepared him to apply for the bagger position at Publix, a company he has now been with for ten years! The customers LOVE Christopher and many favour his line to check out. He always gives his best and treats everyone he meets with respect and kindness. His heart is open and pure and he sees everyone as a friend.
Christopher is a joy to be with and very humorous and jokes with his family and peers. He has recently become an Uncle for the first time and is so VERY proud of his niece Ashlyn. Everyone at Publix knows her age, what date she was born, her birth weight, what time she arrived etc. He calls her his Princess. Ashlyn is the joy of his life just as he has been ours. We have had many challenges along the way, but Chris has overcome them all with his positive outlook on life and trust in the goodness of the people he meets. He is a very special son and we are blessed to have him in our lives. The picture is of a surprise visit from Christopher’s “princess” at work
I work Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 1 PM as a Mail Delivery Specialist. When I first started, I worked with the marketing team, then I assisted the lending department and now I work in the mailroom! I go to the post office and handle the mail in the office. I am very fortunate to have a great working life and wonderful coworkers! My dad gave my resume to the boss and that is how I got the job. Other self-advocates will be happy to have a job in the community. I am happy to be at Navigant! I am very proud of my work and my job!