In Their Own Words: NC’s Disability Workforce

Every October, we at NCCDD celebrate and recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). NCCDD collected stories across the state from employees with disabilities. The stories share why work is important to people with I/DD — from learning new skills to making new friends to leading with purpose.

This month’s message brings the voices of individuals in the workforce and their stories about what they do at work and why they love their job. Read their stories here.

To learn about North Carolina’s employment resources, visit NC Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities.

Jake Plue - East Frank Superette and Kitchen (Monroe)

I have been working at East Frank Kitchen and Superette in downtown Monroe since 2021. I walk to work every day, but sometimes I get a ride home; my family really wants me to walk as much as I can. I am the head dishwasher and the most reliable employee they've got at East Frank. I don't ever call in sick, and I show up early all the time. Sometimes I get in trouble for coming too early! I do all my dishes on time. There are three sinks, and sometimes they are all full when I get there. I'm reliable. They can count on me. They can't keep dishwashers sometimes, but they always have me.

Being a dishwasher is the hardest job at a restaurant. People think being a cook is the hardest job. It's not. Dishwashers have the hardest job because there are so many dishes all the time. Monday was terrible. Dishes in all the sinks, and I had to get it all done and also cut up some fries when I was done.

My job is fun because people like me a lot and they listen to my stories. All the people at EF are easy to get along with. They don't get mad at me (much), and we cut up a lot, and they tell me when they have had enough of me, and then I get back to work. Sometimes I am too honest, and that gets me in trouble. My boss Carley treats me like her family, and so does Robbie. She gets on to me like I am her son, and we need more people like Carley and Robbie hiring people like me.

All the people that work there are very unique, and I fit in. Everyone belongs here. We make everybody feel welcome, and that means staff and customers.

What is the best part of my job? Being all finished with a pile of dishes. I love my job, and we need more Carley and Robbie’s in the world because there aren't that many people who accept us.

Sarah Gatewood - Hitachi Energy (Raleigh)

I am an intern at Hitachi Energy in Raleigh.

My job is organizing snacks, labeling shirts with sizes, and learning new skills.

I also get to make social media videos which is a lot of fun. And I love to see my friends in the office. The best part of my job is my friends in the office, my boss, and my job coach.

Kaitlin Moncol - Jerry’s Artarama (Raleigh) 

My name is Kaitlin Moncol and I am a Creative at Jerry's Artarama. I have been working here since October 2012. Every day at Jerry’s Artarama brings something a little different. Between stocking shelves, helping customers, working the register, and opening and closing the store, there’s always something to do.

One of my favorite things is organizing the paints and making all the colors look pretty. I also love working with my coworkers, hearing about the interesting projects customers are working on, and getting to see their finished creations. People come in with some really unique ideas!
But the best part of my job is being able to make someone’s day a little better. A lot of people come in feeling stressed, and it’s nice to see them leave feeling more relaxed and happy.

Knowing I can make even a small difference in someone’s day is what makes the job so rewarding.

Adam Strom - Cambridge Village (Apex)

For nearly seven years, Adam Strom has been a familiar face to residents and staff at Cambridge Village of Apex, where he works 20 hours a week as a porter.

Adam has a variety of responsibilities that help keep Cambridge Village running smoothly. Each day, he collects and takes out recycling, helps wrap silverware in the dining room, and keeps the coffee bar clean and stocked. He has also assisted with laundry in the fitness center, making sure residents have fresh, clean towels.

His work extends beyond these daily responsibilities. Adam helps set up Thursday activities for residents, including balloon volleyball, cornhole, card games, and ladder toss. He has also assisted with special events, including a hot dog and beer fest, soup extravaganzas, and men's breakfasts. These activities give Adam additional opportunities to interact with residents and contribute to the community.

Over the years, Adam has developed friendships and become a valued member of the Cambridge Village community. His contributions were recognized in October 2026 when he received the Employee of the Month Award, celebrating his outstanding performance and dedication.

Adam said, "I like seeing my friends at Cambridge Village. I like helping people and doing my jobs." And according to Adam, his favorite part of coming to work is "my friends!"

For Adam, who has Fragile X syndrome and autism, employment provides much more than a paycheck. It gives him a place where he belongs, a familiar routine, and opportunities to connect with people who know and value him.

His pride in his work is evident each morning as he puts on his Cambridge Village polo shirt and makes sure his name tag is in place. He's ready to go to work and be part of the team.
For his parents, Adam's employment represents something equally important. His job provides structure and purpose to his days, meaningful relationships outside his family, and earnings that contribute to his ABLE account and long-term financial security.

With the support of his longtime job coach and an employer that recognizes his abilities, Adam has built a successful employment history and become an important part of daily life at Cambridge Village.

Grant Pearson - Peer Support Specialist (Durham County)

I currently work in the EIPD program at Durham County as a Peer Support Specialist.

What makes my job fun is coming to work each day, preparing to help clients, and guiding them toward a successful job search.

The best part of my job is interacting with my coworkers and clients, as well as documenting my interactions with clients.

Amani Mitchell - Duke Cardiology (Durham)

What makes my job important is that I am making sure that everything is running smoothly with new patient appointments for certain providers. My work directly helps doctors in getting medical records for new patients coming into Duke.

The best part about my job is that I am working in an industry that can make a difference to people, even if it means I am not directly working with the patients. Having the proper medical records for doctors makes sure that they can correctly assess the patient’s cardiac conditions.

Riley Cheek - Durham Bulls (Durham)

My job is with the Durham Bulls Triple-A professional baseball team. I make sure the field is pristine and each detail is done properly. Cleaning dugouts, repairing bullpens, and setting up batting practices are a few examples.

What I find most fun about my job is the excitement of being able to work for a Triple-A baseball team and the Durham Bulls. I enjoy being around the players and prepping the field for game day, like dragging the infield to keep it properly watered.

I began working for the Durham Bulls when I was 15. I began as a Ticket Taker and moved to Seating Bowl Host. This next season, I will begin my fifth season on the Grounds Crew.

I love being able to watch professional baseball live. In 2022, the Bulls won the Triple-A National Championship. They played in Las Vegas and I was fortunate enough to attend with my dad and my uncle. My great-grandfather was an avid follower of the Durham Bulls baseball team and was the club president for a time in the late 60s to early 70s, right before minor league baseball left Durham.

I love my job and working for the Bulls!