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Special to the Tallahassee Democrat --October 4, 2011

At Goodwill, Connie Bass has gained independence

By Melanie Mowry Etters Connie Bass works in the Ocala Goodwill store, where she oversees purchasing, answers the phone and performs essential office work

OCALA — Connie Bass is fiercely independent now, and she has worked hard to get there.

She is employed as an office assistant at the Goodwill store in Ocala on U.S. Hwy. 27. Bass worked her way up from attending Adult Day Training at the store, where the state paid Goodwill for her to be there. Now Goodwill pays Bass to oversee purchasing, answer the phone and perform essential office work. She also runs the cash register one day a week.

"What makes Connie special is her drive to learn more and do more. She wants to be a valuable asset to the store," Goodwill store manager Derek Arnold said.

Bass has cerebral palsy and receives services from Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. APD is highlighting the contributions of people with disabilities, like Bass, to the work force.

Bass went through a divorce while living in Fort Myers in 2005. She decided she needed to make a clean start and relocated to Ocala. Since then, she has mastered the public transportation system to get around town and to work. She lives in her own apartment.

APD provides some services to her in her home due to her limited mobility. "I appreciate the services I receive. Our services are a privilege. We are very lucky to have them," she said.

Bass pays close attention to details. She does research on some donated high-end items to help determine an appropriate price for their resale. She ensures the office filing is correct and needed items are ordered.

"Goodwill taught me that I could stand up for myself, and that you can do what you want if you respect yourself and others," Bass said.

Arnold says Bass is a valued employee. "Connie is compassionate for people with disabilities. She makes a great team member."

APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn and work in their communities. The agency annually serves more than 50,000 Floridians with autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org.