Pensacola Man's Success Speaks Volumes
Lyall Frazier's fascination with books and attention to detail
have led him to a job he loves. The Pensacola man, who has a developmental
disability, has been working for the West Florida Public Library System for
more than three years.
During October, which is National Disability Employment Awareness Month,
Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is spreading the good news
about Floridians like Frazier who are successfully employed in their
communities. Frazier receives supported employment services from Arc Gateway
which are funded by APD.
Frazier got his first on-the-job training in library science at Workman Middle
School in Pensacola. Then he worked as a library volunteer at the University
of West Florida for several years, before he was hired by the public library in
2005 as a part-time library clerk.
"Lyall checks material in an out for the patrons and collects fines," said Bill
Nelson, the library system's head of circulation and Frazier's supervisor. "He
also has a section of book shelving that he maintains, and also does other
shelves as needed."
Known for his big smile and cheerful demeanor, Frazier doesn't let anything get
past him. His keen, detail-oriented mind remembers the condition of almost
every item that is loaned out, in order to detect damages---such as broken
spines or water damage---when items are returned.
"Lyall is very meticulous about checking for details," Nelson confirmed. "If
anything is missing or is marked wrong, or a tape is missing from a series,
Lyall will catch it."
But Frazier looks out for the patrons' best interests, too, such as when
damaged items are loaned out.
"I put a note in the books to keep patrons from being charged," Frazier said.
When asked which task he liked the most, Frazier replied, "I love them all. I
love my job a lot! And the people I work with are very nice."
Nelson speaks highly of Frazier, considering him to be a very dependable
employee.
"If he knows his bus is running late, he calls to let us know," Nelson said.
"And he plans ahead for vacations and that sort of thing."
Not content to rest on his laurels, Frazier is looking to the future and hopes
to attend college. Presently, he is taking classes at Pensacola Junior College
to earn his General Educational Development (GED) diploma.
"I got a special high school diploma," Frazier said. "But I want to get a
regular diploma, and that will be my GED, please!"
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.apdcares.org or call toll-free 1- 866-APD-CARES (1-866-273-2273).
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