“Dexter Morris Jr. determined to do great work despite limitations” |
| Dexter Morris Jr. determined to do great work despite limitations Posted: 12 Mar 2011 11:06 PM PST His name is Dexter Morris Jr., but you quickly find out that his admiring coworkers have shortened that to DJ.Energetic and excited about... His name is Dexter Morris Jr., but you quickly find out that his admiring coworkers have shortened that to DJ. Energetic and excited about his job, Morris, 20, is the person responsible for the stereos, televisions, DVD players and computers crowding the shelves at the Goodwill store on Mabry Street. He has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair to get around, yet Morris has overcome his limitations to prove that he's an effective employee, and Goodwill's board of directors agreed — presenting him with a performance award recently. "It's fun. I work with electronics, which is what I like to do," Morris said. "I have good people I work with." After graduating from high school, Morris entered the Transition Program that is available at Lively Technical Center to help those with disabilities learn to function independently and learn job skills. The instruction ranges from cooking and other household tasks to a computer systems technology program and preparation for job interviews. According to Lively, many students with disabilities who are working toward a special diploma still require ongoing support to maintain a life as employed and active adults. When they leave the school system, they face an uncertain future unless there is careful planning, preparation and connections to post-school supports. Lively provides the classroom space and administrative support. Certified teachers and student case specialists provide the instruction. Working with Tiffany Solomon, his support coordinator from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, he continued in a transitional work experience program that enabled him to get a six-month stint at Goodwill to try out the job. When it comes to electronics repair, "We need people like DJ who can do it, who have the patience for it," Solomon laughed. APD annually serves about 35,000 Floridians with such developmental disabilities as autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida and others. For those who'd like to find their place in the workforce, APD's Supported Employment program offers intensive assistance and extended services to assist the person with performing their job. Ongoing supports are provided by a job coach and include matching the worker with the right job, assistance with training to make sure the APD client is able to understand and learn the skills and regular monitoring. The services provided are based on each individual's own situation and needs, said Melanie Mowry Etters, APD's director of communications. As customers file into the store and others prepare to leave with their purchases, Morris hurries off to assist. "He is one of the most determined individuals I know," Solomon said. "He's well-liked, well-loved and has a big heart. He's willing to help people any way he can." This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php |
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