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Robinson is achieving his potential in the work place

CRESTVIEW — When life poses a challenge, many people have a hard time regrouping and moving forward. After 10 years of unemployment, Ken Robinson has come back strong.

He is working at the 7th Special Forces dining facility in Crestview on a crew with other people who have disabilities. Robinson battled various health problems for many years and was uncertain about being successful in the workplace. He decided to give employment a try again after some reassurances from his job coach, Jeff Weikert.

"We discussed his concerns and I assured him that we could ease into the employment process and back out any time it became too difficult. Ken has not only risen to the challenge, he has embraced it," Weikert said.

Robinson works the dinner shift as a food service worker, primarily as a dishwasher. "This is working out real good. I am glad I got this job. I really like to work and meet people. I want to get out of the house and do something," Robinson said.

Supervisor Terri Richardson likes the way Robinson handles himself and recently put a new hire with him to learn the ropes. She says he is dependable and always takes that extra step. "Ken does an excellent job. He is very courteous to his supervisors. Whatever we need him to do, he does. He helps his fellow employees. He is right there to give others a hand. Ken is a joy to work with," Richardson added.

Robinson receives services from Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities. APD pays for Robinson's job-coaching services provided by Horizons of Okaloosa County. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time when APD and other agencies highlight the achievements of people with disabilities in the workforce.

"People look up to Ken, and he is eager to help. He is a great worker and he is enjoying himself immensely," Weikert said. "I am very proud that Ken is living up to his potential. I believe that many of our consumers have the ability to do great things and just need a little help out of the door."

APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn and work in their communities. The agency annually serves about 50,000 Floridians with developmental disabilities. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org.