Where the Rattlers Come to Dine
Kameasha Moore knows the main dining hall at Florida A&M
University like the back of her hand. She should. She's been employed there
for the last six years. As a part-time utility service technician, Moore has
handled almost every maintenance task in the dining hall at one time or
another.
Moore has a developmental disability and receives services from Florida's
Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). October is National Disability
Employment Awareness Month. APD is highlighting the contributions of people
with disabilities to the workforce.
Unloading the massive dishwasher and restacking clean trays, dishes, and
utensils are Moore's primary responsibilities. Her duties also include wiping
tables, keeping the condiment section stocked, and tending to the general
cleanliness of the dining hall.
Says Moore, "I like to do everything. Whatever my supervisor wants me to do, I
can do it."
Moore's job coach, Alfred Solomon, says, "Kameasha has a great work ethic.
She looks forward to every workday. She may not be able to express it in words,
but you can tell that her job means everything to her."
Job coaching is a service funded by APD which helps individuals with
disabilities learn new tasks and enhance their job performance.
Dining Hall Service Manager Mary Branch concurs that Moore is an outstanding
worker. "I couldn't ask for a more dedicated, dependable employee who truly
takes pride in her work," Branch says. "And she likes to have fun too. She
never misses our employee picnics and Christmas parties. Everyone enjoys being
around her."
It's a win-win situation. Moore values her work and the students and staff at
FAMU have a great place to catch a bite to eat.
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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