O'Connell's Message to Employers: Be Patient, Be Kind, and Listen
- Amanda Ranochak
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
In October we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month by spotlighting people with disabilities who are out in the workforce.
In this profile we are highlighting Dominique O'Connell from Naples. She works in customer service at Publix in the Crossroads Marketplace, the very store that her grandparents helped open years ago.
In addition to her day job, Dominique and her mother Heather O’Connell have established quite a following on TikTok. During the pandemic, they created their own TikTok accounts.
“Mom shared positive uplifting videos about our lives, which gained a lot of popularity. Then I decided to do my own TikTok account. One of my videos went viral of me eating soup to the sound that says "Good Soup," Dominique said. “At first I had people make fun of me but a lot of other people decided to support me and shut down those who were mean. I don't care about the haters. That's high school stuff.”
Employer: Publix
Current Position: Customer Service
Years on the job: 9
What is the best advice or encouragement you’d give to a fellow self-advocate about accessing or keeping employment? Never give up. Don't accept no as an answer, but also sometimes it's okay to say no. Your wellbeing always comes first.
What advice would you give employers about hiring a person with a disability? Be patient, be kind, and listen. And please be accommodating. Sometimes there are things people ask me to do that I'm not supposed to do because of my accommodations. I'd love to help but there's only so much I can do (For instance, I can offer carry-out services and get someone to help you but I can't do it myself unless someone's there with me.) Please keep my accommodations in mind. They are there for a reason.
In your opinion, how does employing a person with a disability help their quality of life? I have pride and power in keeping my job. I like to learn new things. I'm proud of what I do.
What’s the most important employment-related challenge you face as a person with a disability? Being heard and listened to. Whenever there is a new manager, they often don't like me much. Sometimes I need help to convince them that I'm worthy and I could do my job well. My mom sometimes helps with that.
Which agency (VR, APD, CIL, etc.) was the most helpful to you in accessing and maintaining employment? My mom, who's always introducing me to the new managers and offering help when needed. In the past, I had job coaches through Vocational Rehab, the Arc, and the school district. I don't use them anymore because I've gotten better at my job.
How should we be advocating for better employment opportunities and practices in Florida? We need more self-advocacy opportunities with groups supporting me.
Do you get paid from TikTok? My mom helps me with that. I don't make much on it. I just do it for fun. So far, I have 24,000 followers.
What are your career goals? I hope to one day move to Orlando and work for Disney or Universal as a cast member. I would really love to work at the Haunted Mansion or be part of the story at Universal. I love Orlando, it's one of my favorite places.
What activities do you enjoy outside of work? I love going on vacation, spending time with friends, taking care of people, anything Disney, kind people and becoming an adult. I love my sisters, pets, and my family.
Florida Self-Advocacy Central would like to thank Dominique for her time and thoughtful answers.