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Beckham sets no limits

By Carolyn Sutton and Melanie Mowry Etters

PENSACOLA – This David Beckham knows the hospitality industry, not soccer. However, his famous name sure helps Pensacola Beach Hampton Inn visitors remember him.

“David is somewhat of a celebrity among local hotel guests, partly because his name is David Beckham. And partly because of his pleasant manner in which he individually greets each guest in his path,” Kareshia Pierce, Beckham’s supervisor said. “I see David advancing to new heights every month, and couldn’t be prouder of this stellar employee.”

Beckham’s shy demeanor and soft spoken, gentle disposition prove to be an asset to his newly acquired job position.

Beckham knows it’s his ability, not disability that landed him his dream job as a houseman at the Hampton Inn. Beckham is especially excited about this employment opportunity because it allows him the possibility of growing and developing in the hospitality industry. This industry is where much of his vocational and on-the-job-training were focused, and now it is paying off. Beckham has enjoyed his job for the past several months. He delivers linens for maid service, towels to pool side guests, and he assists with the hotel breakfast bar.

“Having a job teaches responsibility and life skills,” Beckham said. “It also provides money and important benefits like health and dental insurance.”

Beckham receives services from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Job Coach Carolyn Sutton with Express Employment Services helped Beckham in his job search. She assisted in preparing for interviews, helped him keep his resume updated, and transported him from business to business while seeking the perfect employment match.

Beckham’s mother, Rhonda Dorfman, strongly feels no one should limit their dreams.

“I believe you can do anything you diligently prepare yourself for, and anyone wanting to work should be able to regardless of their disability,” Dorfman said. “I think we shouldn’t put limitations on ourselves and we shouldn’t allow anyone else to either.”

Beckham said he wants to work, because he wants to be independent. He said, “I want to be able to live on my own in the future.” 

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 or call toll free 1-866-APD-CARES (1-866-273-2273).

David Beckham