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Business Owner Celebrates Anniversary

JACKSONVILLE, FL - Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) customer Geraud "Roddie" Moreland is celebrating this month. He has owned his small vending machine business for one year, which is a major accomplishment for any person. For Moreland, who was born with severe disabilities, having his own business is one way he can reach his goal of financial independence.

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month. APD is highlighting the contributions of people with disabilities to their community.

Moreland's company name is "Roddie's Vending Service." He has 20 business locations with over 30 machines, and is always looking to expand. The machines are stocked with M&Ms, pistachios, and Skittles. Moreland, who uses a machine called a Dynovox to communicate, said "I am the boss. I like to count the money and go to the bank,"

Moreland also has a part-time job at North Florida School as a janitor. He has worked three years making sure the school is clean for students when they return to the school. His supervisor, Colleen Miller, said, "We have thoroughly enjoyed having him work here because he is so conscientious about his job."

APD provides several services to Moreland to help maintain his independence, such as personal care assistance, companion services, supported employment, and non-residential support services. These services are paid for through the Developmental Disabilities Medicaid Waiver. Moreland hopes to one day to be able to pay for the services and free up those dollars for someone waiting for services.

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities currently serves more than 35,000 Floridians with developmental disabilities of mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information on the agency, call 1-866-APD-CARES or visit www.apd.myflorida.com.