By Melanie Mowry Etters, Special to the Democrat, Tallahassee Democrat, Oct 5, 2012
MARGATE — Laurie Adams is a packaged deal. She is full of spunk, happiness and dedication to her employer.
Adams has worked at THASC Sales Co. Inc. for more than six years. Her primary responsibilities include packaging greeting cards and sealing them with plastic.
“I like to work and make my own money. I like working with people and paying my own way,” Adams said.
Adams has a developmental disability and receives services funded by Florida’s Agency for Persons with Disabilities. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and the time when APD highlights the contributions of people with disabilities to the workforce.
Coincidently, the company that Adams works for is dedicated to helping people with disabilities. THASC Sales Co. in Margate is a private company that employs people with disabilities and senior citizens. It has been in business for more than 35 years. THASC purchases artwork from artists with disabilities and reproduces it.
On the back of each card is a picture of the artist with a short biography. Many of these artists paint with a brush held in their mouth. Some use specially designed helmets with brushes attached, and others may use arm braces.
Adams works at her own station, packaging the artistic greeting cards. Adams also assembles pens for shipment. “Laurie works hard and strives to do the best job she can do. It is a true pleasure to have her as a member of our team,” said THASC Vice President Ty Cannon. “Laurie is very cheerful, upbeat, and nice. She always wishes everyone a good morning,”
Adams clearly enjoys her work environment. “My co-workers are my friends. We all work together and help each other out,” Adams said. Her long-term professional goal is to remain working at THASC.
Outside of her job, she enjoys sports and church. She likes watching football and baseball with her sister and brother-in-law. Adams is also trying out for the Special Olympics bowling team, and was very excited when she recently scored 122 in a game.
Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities 