News & Information >Special to the Democrat

Rupp finds place on store team

Paul Rupp now likes to lead the morning cheer during the team meeting at the Lowe's home-improvement store in Marianna. It has taken him two years to feel confident enough to be one of the cheerleaders among his coworkers.

"I have been at Lowe's over two years, and it has been good for me," Rupp says. "I love my job, and I love the customers. My coworkers make me feel good, and I love my coworkers."

Rupp spent much of his life not getting the opportunity to interact with others. Now he is making the most of this opportunity. Rupp has a developmental disability. October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time when Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities highlights the contributions of people with disabilities to the work force.

Rupp was hired at the new Lowe's store originally to help in the garden area. His job duties now include sweeping, gathering carts, and keeping the store neat and clean.

Some of the supports provided by fellow employees include helping him clock in and out, computer assistance for required training, a flexible work schedule to accommodate transportation limitations and taking turns setting Rupp's digital watch to alert him when his breaks are over.

"Everyone has something to offer," store manger Bob Parker said. "Paul is definitely making an effort to give all he can. It is good to see someone with a good work ethic like that."

APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn and work in their communities. The agency annually serves about 35,000 Floridians with developmental disabilities. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org.