Where the Spirit Moves Him
Jason Hamilton has mastered the intricacies of the
complex postage machine in EverBank's mailroom. After seven years under his belt as a
mail clerk in the Jacksonville bank, Hamilton knows all the cost center codes
to plug in when running mail through the machine. He likes his job and
co-workers and appreciates the many other benefits of full-time employment.
"It has good health benefits, a 401K, and good pay," says Hamilton.
Hamilton has a developmental disability. October is Disability Employment
Awareness Month. Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is
highlighting the contributions of people with disabilities to the workforce.
EverBank's Assistant Vice President of Administrative Services Donn Holder
says, "Jason handles his job and tasks very well. He's a great guy, a very
intelligent guy. He has a large thirst for knowledge."
APD pays for the services of Hamilton's Waiver Support Coordinator, Sebena
Masline, who visits him regularly.
Masline says, "He is an expert on the postage machine. It is neat to see him
in action at work. I was there during his mail run. He knows everyone. He is
at home there and definitely part of the team."
The popular young man recently caught the eye of a famous political figure.
Vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin saw Hamilton near the stage at a
political rally in Jacksonville. She came down from the stage to shake his
hand and told him he looked like her son. That encounter was also featured on
NBC News.
Although Hamilton enjoys his current work, he feels he is being called by a
high power to do another job.
I'm studying on my own to become a priest," says Hamilton. "It depends on God
on when it would happen, and the Bishop would decide where."
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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