Believing is Seeing Beyond the Disability

MARSHFIELD – If there’s any doubt that encouraging words from one person can dramatically alter the course of another person’s life, look at Bobby O’Dell.

Growing up, he was often teased by other children and underestimated by teachers because of his learning disability and low vision.

“It was hard to convince teachers that a person with a disability could do much. One said she didn’t think I could be productive,” Bobby recalls.

As a teenager, he looked for respect in the wrong places and bumped up against the law.

Finally, Bobby met someone who could see beyond his disability. His vocational rehabilitation counselor, John Patterson, saw abilities.

“He said I had more on the ball than a workshop,” Bobby says. “I learned to speak up.”

He’s been speaking up ever since – not just for himself, but for other people with disabilities as well. Because friends told him he’d be good at it, Bobby began speaking on panels for People First, a self-advocacy movement for people with developmental disabilities.

children, Boy Scouts, church members, conference participants and others gain a greater understanding of disabilities when described firsthand by Bobby and other panelists. Bobby’s messages are clear: “Treat us like a person first. Making fun of people does hurt. All disabilities are not the same.”

Just as encouraging words changed Bobby’s life, he’s now using words to change others. “One girl said she never made fun of people with disabilities, but regretted that she had never stopped others from doing it.”

People First has taught even Bobby a few lessons about disabilities. At one conference, a woman with hearing loss spoke with the aid of an interpreter. When Bobby responded, he directed his remarks to the interpreter – and the woman objected. “She called me on it. She said, ‘You talk to me, not the interpreter.’”

As he broadens his experience, Bobby continues to speak up for people with disabilities as a member and past chair of the Missouri Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities and as an advocate before the Missouri Legislature.

His volunteer advocacy work is in addition to his full-time job at Walmart Super Center in Marshfield.

He has worked there for 15 years, handling a variety of jobs, including stocking shelves, replenishing sack supplies, retrieving shopping carts, unloading trucks, watering plants, recycling materials and performing general maintenance.

“He’s eager to help anywhere he’s asked to help or anyplace he even remotely thinks is in need of assistance,” says store Manager Tim Slavens.

Early in Bobby’s employment, he occasionally was placed with a co-worker who helped clarify his duties for the day. “We haven’t done that for a number of years. He’s been self-sufficient for some time now,” Tim says. “We’re just proud to have Bobby. He’s good for us, and we’re good for him. It’s a good fit.”

Previously, Bobby had worked at a flea market booth, but decided to pursue more substantial employment. Supportive Employment helped him develop job-interview skills and provided on-the-job training once he was employed by Walmart.

With the help of a caseworker, he continues to identify educational opportunities to expand his skills in public speaking, communication and computer technology.

His disability does create challenges, but he makes adjustments as necessary. He sets an alarm on his cell phone to keep himself on schedule. When his low vision made it difficult to read product bar codes, he acquired a magnifying glass.

His biggest challenge continues to be transportation, since Bobby doesn’t drive. He paid neighbors to drive him to work, but the 14-mile trip became burdensome, especially when he worked a late shift. He recently moved closer to his job and rides a bicycle to work. The approach of winter, however, will present another challenge, as public transportation in Marshfield is limited.

A person once suggested that “it would be easier” for him to live on disability payments and not work. Bobby doesn’t receive disability assistance.

“I think if you can work, you should, and not be a drain,” he says. “A lot of people can get out of workshops with supports. I think it has to be a shift in thinking from employers’ standpoint that a person with a disability can learn and be a part of the community.”

A regular paycheck has enabled Bobby to pursue numerous interests. He likes to travel to St. Louis Cardinals baseball games, play slot machines at the casino, bowl with friends and eat at his favorite Chinese restaurant. He also enjoys playing cards, collecting bells, listening to Christian rock music and writing poetry.

If he ever writes his autobiography, he has the title: “Beyond My Disability.”