SUBMITTED BY THE Logan County Board of DD
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) was declared in 1988 by the United States Congress to raise awareness of the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities over the month of October.
Access to good jobs for all abilities is the 2024 key message made by the Department of Labor. The Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities (LCBDD) works with and supports provider employment agencies, as well as independent providers who support people to be successful in their jobs.
There are currently 49 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities employed — in both part-time and full-time jobs — with 39 employers in Logan County.
Jacob Hawk is an individual who benefits from LCBDD services and contributes to the Logan County community through his work. October is his favorite month, as he gets to celebrate his birthday with delightful treats such as cake, ice cream, and a free meal at his employer, McDonald’s. Additionally, this year is special, as it marks his second National Disability Employment Awareness Month working for McDonald’s, a Scott Family franchise.
Jacob enjoys making others laugh and smile so that they have a better day. That is why working at McDonald’s is a natural fit for the 34-year-old Bellefontaine man.
“I love making people happy when I deliver their meals to them after they move up in the drive-thru line. So many people are happy to see me and my face gets to be a part of their day. I have a great face.”
Jacob has many different job duties at his workplace.
“I clean anything that needs cleaned, greet people, stock, prepare food and whatever is on my list for the day,” Hawk said.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jacob was employed at Goodwill of Bellefontaine.
After the pandemic was over, he began working with his SSA Kara Fanaff at the LCBDD to become gainfully employed again. Jacob opted to access employment assistance through Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities. They connected him to Brehon Technology, which quickly led him to his employment with the McDonald’s location at 1780 S. Main St., Bellefontaine.
Jacob also utilizes RTC services for continued employment supports. For Jacob, regaining his footing was crucial. The pandemic had cost him his job, leaving him uncertain about his future. His plans had been derailed, and prolonged unemployment only further hindered his ability to focus on building a sustainable and fulfilling life.
Jacob was interested in working for the Scott Family McDonald’s because they consider their people to be their greatest strength. He checked their website and said they are proud to employ more than 1,000 people in their 15 locations. He liked that the local employer believes employing people with disabilities adds value to their day-to-day operations. After reading this Jacob said, “Well this job is for me, and I got to work.”
Another exciting venture the Scott Family began a few years ago with Ohio school districts was offering to employ working-age students with disabilities in their classroom settings. One of the jobs that the students enjoyed the most at school was adding stickers and information to the bags that were used for DoorDash orders.
The Scott Family McDonald’s team has been a big supporter and partner with DD employment services in and around Logan County, officials from the LCBDD noted.
Jacob likes all the “extras” he gets from his job. McDonalds celebrates the holidays with their employees and gives them gifts, bonuses and they always make sure Jacob gets his free meal every shift.
“I loved the socks I got at Christmas the most. I felt like I was one of Santa’s Elves running food outside to customers,” the city resident said.
His favorite part of the job is his co-workers and customers.
“I love that they remember me, say hi, talk to me like a friend. They make me feel like I am an important part of their day,” he said.
Jacob said people can get a bit unhappy when they wait, but he makes it his mission to have them leave with a smile.
If you would like more information about hiring someone or employment services, contact the LCBDD offices at (937) 592-0015.