Employment provides many opportunities for personal growth. While having a source of income is important, for most people, even more valuable is the social interaction and the opportunity to develop personal relationships that becomes available through employment. In addition, the sense of having a purpose each day, and the opportunity to grow in both skill and knowledge, are important benefits of having a job. The following stories are about two inspiring men who have found great successes both in their careers and in their communities.

John Hannah lives with disabilities and works full-time as a consumer advocate to help others with disabilities make their own choices and find solutions. He has been employed by Champaign Residential Services, Inc. (CRSI) since 1995.

Hannah’s responsibilities at the agency, which provides MR/DD or other community services to over 800 individuals across 30 Ohio counties, are to interview and communicate with consumers, their families, guardians, and others to report information regarding consumer satisfaction in regard to CRSI staff and services. He serves as an advocate on behalf of all consumers and provides input on how CRSI can maintain a high level of quality services. All of his duties and responsibilities are carried out under the guidance and assistance of the advocacy director.

In addition, Hannah completes reports with assistance; provides a continuous supportive relationship with consumers; assists with complaints; strives to promote positive relationships with staff; advocates for consumer needs, wishes and rights; works toward increasing consumer understanding of self-advocacy and self-determination; and maintains confidentiality in accordance with CRSI policies and procedures.

He also participates in internal and external committees and organizations. Hannah is currently president of Ohio People First and the Arc of Champaign County. He serves on the ODMRDD New Waiver Reimbursement Committee, the People First conference planning committee, and the Human Rights Committee for the Champaign County Board of MR/DD.

CRSI provides various accommodations to enable Hannah to do his job. This includes adaptive computer equipment; a driver to facilitate his need to travel from one home to the other and to attend conferences, trainings and committee meetings; and an Advocacy Director to provide constant support and encouragement to help him fulfill his duties.

“Mr. Hannah, as he prefers not to be called, is a remarkable communicator for individuals with or without disabilities and a great friend to all,” says Kathy Rader, advocacy director for CRSI. “John’s mind and heart work in such a way as to provide constant praise, yet gentle discipline at the same time if it is needed. As a voice for self-advocates [consumers] served by CRSI and across the State of Ohio, his ability to understand and suggest ways for improvement is truly amazing and a blessing beyond measure.”

The uniqueness of CRSI’s Consumer Advocacy Program is that John Hannah is both a consumer receiving services and an employee mentoring others who receive services. Hannah is not able to read or write. His special adaptive computer equipment helps him to communicate not only within CRSI but also around the state. Staying focused is difficult for him and Rader plays a special role in helping him stay on task.

“Johnson (CEO of CRSI) gave me the opportunity use the gifts I have to help others”, says Hannah of his job. “He took me away from work at the cemetery and helped me learn new things and know my abilities. Along the way I have been encouraged by many, supported no matter what, have met friends I may never have known and learned to stand up for what I believe in – even if others don’t always agree with me.” He adds, “I love my work. The best part of my day is going to work and showing people that it is not about the disability…but that I am a PERSON FIRST.”

Donald Stevens has overcome many challenges in order to achieve his dream job working at Lowe’s. He enjoys working for many reasons, including meeting people and earning extra income to go on dates and vacations.

“I advocated for myself and visited Lowe’s. I introduced myself to the manager.

My employment specialist, Geneva, helped me to get the job at Lowe's. This is the occupation of my dreams. There is a great family and management team here.

Call me the “Star Player” of the Home & Garden Center. My shift is 7:00 – 11:00 am. My duties include pulling and stretching hoses, watering plants, cleaning and zoning the aisles, recycling cardboard, retrieving carts, and customer service.”

Donald received an A+ rating from a mystery shopper and was nominated as Employee of the Year for Clark County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board Ceremony.

When he is not working, Donald enjoys traveling.

“My co-worker, Vincent, took me to Southern California for the NASCAR race at California Speedway in May 2004. I visited Lincoln City on the Oregon Coast in January 2005 with my friend Sandy. My next trip will be to Las Vegas in October.”

Donald is also very involved in his community. “I attend New Life Christian Center and St. Andrew Lutheran Church. I go to the Public Library to look up old hardware advertisements. I ride the bus to work and different places in the community. I have volunteered at two nursing homes. I live in an apartment by myself. Jonathan helps me with my shopping, cooking, cleaning, and trips in the community. I enjoy going to thrift stores and vintage stores to look for old adhesives and paint cans.”

Donald offers us these valuable pieces of advice. “Don’t let people throw you a curve ball to get in the way of your dreams. Keep persevering. Sometimes it’s not easy to wait, but it’s well worth it.” And last but not least, “Don’t give up on anybody.”

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