Worker Stories
A variety of stories about workers with disabilities in Maine have been collected and organized on this page.
Dave Cann, Time-Warner
Dave Cann enjoys working as a customer service representative for Time Warner Cable in Portland Maine. Cann has been employed by Time Warner Cable for almost seven years. “I’m pretty lucky with this job,” he said. “The part-time schedule is good for me. It keeps me busy. I like the idea of being productive and knowing that I contribute.”
Eric Hughes, Owner of Pizza Express, Portland
In addition to owning and operating Pizza Express on Marginal Way in downtown Portland, Eric attends Strive U, a post-secondary education program for students with developmental disabilities. Click here to view the first news story. Click here to view the second news story
Judith and Duane, restaurant workers
Judith and Duane have been married for six years. Both have disabilities, including deafness, and both work. Judith is employed at a steakhouse on the busiest nights of the week — Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. She does prep-work, such as rolling silverware in napkins. Judith likes earning a wage but especially enjoys the camaraderie of her fellow co-workers. Duane, an accomplished artist, works a five-day-a-week, part-time schedule. Like Judith, he is in the food service industry — clearing and cleaning tables and putting away dishes.
Lisa McLeod, owner of small business raising goats and making goat cheese
Lisa McLeod is well on her way to operating her own business raising goats and making goat cheese. McLeod, who has a disability, took a moment to share her experiences starting a business. McLeod said the inspiration for her business came from her rural Maine setting and her infant daughter's dairy allergy. The benefits of running her own business include being her own boss, staying home with her daughter, and the pride of saying, "I made that cheese and people like it." Thinking about this last point, McLeod added, "I love to feed people."
Matt Shaw, Disability Mentoring Day Experience at WMGM-TV Portland
In October 2007 Matt volunteered for Disability Mentoring Day, (DMD) which the organization’s web site www.dmd-aapd.org describes as, “a national program that promotes career development for students and job-seekers with disabilities through job shadowing and hands-on career exploration.” Matt’s DMD mentor was popular sports broadcaster Travis Lee from WMTW, Channel 8 in Portland.
Robert Tyler, Hannaford Supermarkets
Robert is a man in his mid thirties who enjoys going out for coffee, working out in his local fitness gym, riding his bicycle, swimming, working at his job, and mowing and raking lawns for neighbors. Robert enjoys many friends and connections at his workplace and in his community. Click here to read the complete story
Sam, Brunswick convenience store
With Sam’s natural abilities, attention to detail, past work history, and customer service skills, Sam was the perfect addition to Andy’s store. Sam got a chance to meet Andy that afternoon and was interviewed and hired the next day. Sam has excelled as an employee and is much appreciated by his employer. His job coach and trainer, Wil, reported that within three weeks, Sam knew his routine and was fast becoming a valued and trusted employee.
Sandy Tolman, owner of Gertie’s Graphics, Windham
Sandy’s businesses, Gertie’s Graffics, has been up and running since 1999. It provides quick-turnaround word processing and graphic design services. Self-employment is working out great for Sandy. “My day is not set by normal work hours,” she says. “If I feel good and want to work late, I can.”