Accessible Job Training was Launchpad to Gottesman's Success

In October we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month by spotlighting people with disabilities who are out in the workforce.

Adir Gottesman of Boca Raton works at Goodwill

Adir Gottesman of Boca Raton has spent the past 10 years working at Goodwill, where he helps prepare donated clothing for sale and supports daily store operations.

For Adir, employment provides opportunities to develop workplace skills, build independence, and practice self-advocacy.

Adir is a graduate of the Goodwill Training Academy, which he credits for helping him develop the skills needed to obtain employment and prepare for the workforce. He loves both the training he received and his work at the organization. His experience highlights the importance of accessible job training programs in helping individuals with disabilities pursue and sustain meaningful career opportunities.

Employer: Goodwill

Current Position: Clothing Processing and Donation Associate

Years on the job: 10

Duties and Responsibilities: I check clothes to make sure they are not ripped or stained. I prepare the clothes, put tags and prices on them, stock merchandise, and help with donations.

What is the best advice or encouragement you’d give to a fellow self-advocate about accessing or keeping employment? Look for a job and go to the interview. The employer may call you and offer you the job.

Which agency (VR, APD, CIL, etc.) was the most helpful to you in accessing and maintaining employment? The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) helped me get my job at Goodwill.

What's the most important employment-related challenge you face as a person with a disability? I want to stand up for myself and speak up. I haven't had problems at Goodwill and I can advocate for myself.

In your opinion, how does working impact a disabled person's quality of life? Getting a job helps people develop work skills. I graduated from the Goodwill Training Academy, which helped me get a job.

Beyond developing workplace skills, Adir values self-advocacy and honesty in the workplace. His experiences demonstrate how employment, training, and access to support can help individuals with disabilities build confidence, succeed in the workplace, and participate meaningfully in their communities.

Florida Self-Advocacy Central would like to thank Adir for her time and thoughtful answers.