Disability Employment Awareness Month: “I Can Work”
My name is Robert Howell, and I have proudly served as the State Supported Employment Director for Clarvida for the past 26 years. During that time, I’ve witnessed firsthand how meaningful work transforms lives—not just for those we serve, but for our communities as a whole.
I lived with mental illness for many years, and I made it my mission to not only help clients find jobs in their local communities, but also to hire employment specialists within our organization who could serve as living proof that success is possible despite mental health or physical disabilities.
This Disability Employment Awareness Month, I’d like to share the story of one such success: Ms. Linda Wright of Georgia.
Linda’s Journey: From Client to Colleague
Linda enrolled in our supported employment program in 2008 while working as a supervisor at a local animal clinic. Though she enjoyed her work, she dreamed of something more—a career in the mental health field.
With the support of her employment specialist at Clarvida, Linda began working toward that goal. Around that time, Georgia Pines Community Health Center needed a case manager. Linda applied and was selected for the role.
She excelled as a case manager and, after years of success, was eventually discharged from the supported employment program. But Linda’s journey with Clarvida wasn’t over.
In August of 2018, a position opened up for an Employment Specialist within our agency. Linda applied, interviewed, and was hired. In many ways, she had come full circle—returning to the place where her journey first began.
Since then, Linda has excelled in her role, helping countless clients achieve their own employment goals. She is living proof of what we believe: with the right support, everyone can work and succeed.
The Power of Work in Recovery
Stories like Linda’s remind us of the importance of the phrase: “I CAN WORK.”
Whether you’re applying for a position at Clarvida or participating in one of our many programs across the country, the message is the same: with determination and the right support, meaningful employment is possible.
There is no mental or physical disability that prevents someone from achieving this goal. Over my 26 years, I have placed thousands of clients in jobs and seen the massive impact employment has on personal recovery and self-confidence.
Honoring Disability Employment Awareness Month
As we celebrate Disability Employment Awareness Month, let us honor the resilience and dedication of individuals like Linda Wright. Her story is one of perseverance, growth, and impact—showing that inclusive hiring practices don’t just change lives; they strengthen entire communities.
On behalf of Clarvida, thank you, Linda, for the difference you make every day in the lives of our clients.
And to everyone reading: remember the words that guide our mission—“I CAN WORK.”