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Man has an Eye for Detail

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Joe Crosby has been working in restaurant kitchens for most of his career. For more than two years, Crosby has been a member of the stewarding crew keeping the pastry kitchen at the University Center Club spotless. His title is Dishwashing Machine Operator. Crosby, who has a disability, is always on time and reliable. His swift and efficient manner keeps the kitchen clean and ready for the next mealtime onslaught.

Executive Chef Tim Drown is glad to have Crosby as part of the team, saying, "Joe does a great job. He'll do whatever is asked of him and people like working with him. He is cordial to everyone."

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month. Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is highlighting the contributions of people with disabilities to their community. APD provides Crosby with assistance through the Developmental Disabilities Medicaid waiver, such as transportation, dental care, supported employment, and supported living services.

Drown has expanded Crosby's duties due to his positive attitude and dependability. He helps unload trucks, transports supplies to the kitchens on different floors, and puts desserts on plates when needed. The various assignments make the work especially enjoyable for Crosby. He says, "I like it better here. I just did one thing at my other jobs. I like having a variety of tasks."

Crosby says while rubbing his stomach, one of the perks of working in a restaurant is all the good food you get to eat as part of the job. Another is that sometimes he gets to work on football game days and he supports the Florida State Seminoles who are playing right outside the University Center on the field below.

Crosby has more than a good job to look forward to in the future because he plans to get married to his sweetheart in May.

The agency currently serves about 35,000 Floridians with developmental disabilities of mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information on the agency, call 1-866-APD-CARES or visit www.apd.myflorida.com.

CAPTION FOR PHOTO---Joe Crosby.

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").