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Plantation Men Are Big Winners

PLANTATION, FL - David McClain and Michael Bedy are busy either working or maintaining their bachelor pad when they're not caught up in the hoopla of celebrity. The roommates were recently interviewed on TV after winning $5,000 in furniture in a contest. Both Plantation men have developmental disabilities. During October, which is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is putting the spotlight on Floridians like McClain and Bedy who have careers and fulfilling lives.

"I saw you on TV!" is a greeting frequently heard by Bedy as he bags groceries at a Winn-Dixie supermarket in Plantation. He and McClain were nominated for the "40 Years, 40 Families" contest sponsored by El Dorado Furniture and Miami TV station WFOR, CBS4. The promotion, commemorating the Miami Gardens-based furniture company's 40th anniversary, is awarding furniture to deserving South Florida families in need. Bedy and McClain were declared one of the 40 winning families during a July 30 newscast. They also are featured in El Dorado's TV commercials, and they've even been known to sign autographs!

Bedy is diagnosed with Down syndrome, which can cause cognitive disabilities. McClain has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair to get around. Both men receive services from APD---including support coordination, supported living and supported employment---enabling them to work in the community and live independently.

Bedy has worked as a courtesy clerk at the Winn-Dixie for over two years. In addition to bagging at the checkout counter, he helps customers get their bags to their cars, returns carts to the store, and maintains the parking lot.

"Customers love him," says Alain Rigaud, the store manager. "Michael gets along really well with everyone. He's very courteous---a great employee!"

McClain, too, is considered a celebrity at THASC Sales in Margate, where he packages pens in the shipping and packing section. THASC Sales is a for-profit company that employs senior citizens and people with disabilities. McClain has worked there for over five years.

"David is one of our cheerleaders," says Ty Cannon, the company's corporate vice president. "He's very cordial, and has a positive attitude. He does his job fabulously, and he is also an artist. In fact, two of David's oil paintings are featured on greeting cards that we sell."

Bedy and McClain have been roommates for nine years, and homeowners for almost three. After working hard to qualify for Florida's First-Time Home Buyer Program, they purchased a two-bedroom condo in Plantation. They have overcome some challenges of home ownership, including increasing insurance rates, maintenance costs, and assessments. Through it all, they have matured to become contributing members of their community.

APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit apd.myflorida.com or call toll-free 1-866-APD-CARES (1-866-273-2273).

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").