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Lakeland Woman Exemplifies Disability Employment Awareness Month

LAKELAND, FL - Manyvonne Champavannarth has a job, enjoys active outdoor hobbies, and serves on several committees as a volunteer. That doesn't sound like the description of someone who has a severe disability, and that's the point. During October, which is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is putting the spotlight on Floridians like Champavannarth who have careers and fulfilling lives.

"Many," as she likes to be called, has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair for mobility. She is employed by Complete Fire Equipment in Polk City, FL, working from her Lakeland home as a data entry clerk. Having limited use of her hands and arms, Champavannarth operates her computer with a device called a "head pointer" to enter the company's invoices into its bookkeeping system. She uses a similar device to control her sailboat, and she enjoys skiing as well. That may explain her other nickname---"Speedy."

When she is not working hard or playing hard, Champavannarth volunteers as a member of Family Care Council Florida, the Partners and Policymaking Group of the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, and the Steering Committee for APD's Area 14 office in Lakeland. Her role as an advocate for people with disabilities is a result of her own self-advocacy. Champavannarth directs her support services and makes her own community connections.

Champavannarth is able to work and live in her community---and most importantly, enjoy life---due to her strong drive for self-determination, and to the services she receives through APD. Those services include support coordination, consumable medical supplies, adult dental services, supported living coach services, companion services and medication reviews.

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.

REMINDER FOR MEDIA---When reporting on stories about people with disabilities, remember to use language that puts the person first, rather than the disability. For example, use phrases such as "persons with disabilities" (instead of "the disabled") and "person who uses a wheelchair" (rather than "wheelchair-bound").