APD > Special to the Democrat

Tallahassee Democrat -- October 12, 2009
http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20091011/BREAKINGNEWS/91011003/-1/BREAKINGNEWS/FAMU+cafeteria+worker+praised+for+her+work+ethic++team+spirit

FAMU cafeteria worker praised for her work ethic, team spirit

Her co-workers tease her and call her "The Shadow" because she stays close to them, wanting to be of help.

But Dorothy Oglesby doesn't mind. She enjoys the camaraderie and the satisfaction that comes with being employed. Oglesby, who has a developmental disability, works in the cafeteria at Florida A&M University.

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month. Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities is highlighting the contributions of people with disabilities to the work force.

"I do tables," Oglesby says proudly. "I pick up the dishes and wash the tables down."

"We got here at the same time," said Latanua Harley, retail service manager. Harley and Oglesby have worked at the cafeteria, operated by Sodexho, for 14 years.

"Dorothy is a wonderful worker," Harley reports. "She's very quiet, but does what she is supposed to, and comes in to work every day at the scheduled time."

Harley calls Oglesby one of her most dependable workers – a productive employee and a team player. Speaking of teams, Oglesby is an avid fan of FAMU's Rattlers. She enjoys all of the university's sporting events, especially basketball.

"She wears the orange and green on game day, and at other times, too," Harley says.

Oglesby's long career is an example of how both the employer and employee benefit when someone with a disability is hired.

"It feels good to know that I have a job and I'm making some money," Oglesby said.

Her comments reveal the self-esteem that employment brings to people with disabilities. It makes an important contribution to their quality of life. For the employer, the benefits include having employees who pay close attention to detail and are enthusiastic about their jobs.

APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn and work in their communities. The agency annually serves about 35,000 Floridians with developmental disabilities. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org.