On the job: Autistic man takes legislator to work
A young Canton man with autism took his state representative to work with him Wednesday as part of “Take Your Legislator to Work” day, sponsored by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities. Chad Roberts took state Rep. Scot Turner, R-Holly Springs, along with him to Sweetwater Growers in Canton.
Turner received a tour of Sweetwater Growers in addition to the visit with Roberts, 23, who works at the local company two days a week. The goal of “Take Your Legislator to Work Day” is to raise awareness about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.
“Corporate mental health and disability, funding is always an issue. Any time we can take time to shed light on the needs of people with disabilities, we do,” said Chad Roberts’ job coach, Steven Fuller. “To have a representative come out and see that, he will be able to share that information and that helps shed light on funding for things like this.”
Fuller works as a career specialist at Briggs and Associates providing supported employment services for developmentally disabled individuals, along with job development through businesses in the community.
“The importance is they get out; everyone wants to be productive,” Fuller said. “This type of program gives Chad that opportunity. Without a program like this, Chad would not necessarily have the opportunity to work.”
When Roberts was young, doctors predicted he would never do much of anything in life due to his diagnosis. “He was diagnosed with autism at 2 ½ years old. We were told he would never work, never have friends and never love us, his parents,” Chad Roberts’ mother, Kellie Roberts said. “It was very grim and disheartening, but we refused to believe it.”
He now has four jobs, one at Sweetwater Growers and three at different law firms in Canton. He also serves in three volunteer roles in the community. “He volunteers for Reinhardt University’s football team, the YMCA and at church,” Kellie Roberts said. “At church, he helps in the kitchen and has his own ministry where he shreds newspapers and takes them to the local veterinary hospital. He thrives in those situations.”
She said, “Take Your Legislator to Work” day is important to show government entities the capabilities of those with disabilities within the work field.
“They are responsible for funding and voting. This allows them to see people with disabilities can work just as well as those without disabilities,” Kellie Roberts said. “He enjoys working. His behavior has improved tremendously, especially around those without disabilities. He continues to beat expectations. We are proud of Chad.”
October is the 70th observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, according to Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities.
“You (business owners) are gaining a valuable employee. Chad has his own signature way of learning things and it may be different than you and I, but he really gets enjoyment and pleasure out of working,” Fuller said. “Not only are you giving someone a chance that normally would not have that opportunity, but this is such a huge part of his life, his employment. He looks forward to it daily. This is teaching a valuable lesson.”
Individual supports and services, funded by Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, contribute to Robert’s ability to be an employee with Sweetwater Growers.
“People with disabilities need to be included and can work,” Kellie Roberts said. “You have to make sure you have the right support. The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities have really funded and supported Chad. They approved his labor and have been really open with Chad.”
The original article appeared in The Cherokee Tribune on October 22, 2015.
