Where I Stand — Mike O’Callaghan: Workers beat the odds

Thursday, Oct. 21, 1999 | 9:30 a.m.

Mike O'Callaghan is the Las Vegas Sun executive editor.

TONIGHT A LARGE number of very special people will gather at the New Frontier hotel-casino. Some of the people in attendance are special because of the handicaps they have overcome and others are special because they help others succeed at getting and keeping jobs. The Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities is holding its 22nd annual Governor's Awards Banquet. Suzanne Thomas will be there to make certain the spotlight shines on the people being honored. As always, Thomas will be in the background.

It's appropriate that the gathering he held at the New Frontier, which has a record of 12 percent employees qualified as disabled. They aren't disabled at this hotel, where they succeed working as a casino supervisor, food runner, bartender, cocktail server, guest room attendant, restaurant manager, slot change person, cage cashier, security officer, etc. The hotel guarantees fairness and that "every associate, regardless of position, will be treated with respect and in a fair and just manner at all times."

The woman employee of the year is Jennifer Seiler of the Salvation Army, where she is the floor supervisor of a special program for adults who are disabled. Her job is described as overseeing a staff of two aides and an assistant who has paraplegia. She must see that 16 clients are socialized to the extent of their ability, that they are focused on learning the skills they choose and they have the opportunity to try as many things as possible. Jennifer is also a Sunday school teacher for ninth and 10th grade students.

Why did her supervisor nominate Jennifer?

"My main reason for nominating Jennifer Seiler for Outstanding Employee is sheer admiration. I have seen her make giant strides both personally and professionally in the year she has been an employee. It would be easy for her to just retreat into her bedroom: She has no feeling in her legs, she cannot get out of bed by herself, someone else has to put on her makeup, and she depends on others to get around. The combination of these factors could be a reason for just staying put! Jennifer chooses to overcome these obstacles and exist in the real world. She wants to work. She wants to make her own money. She wants to help others. She chooses to do these things by working with people with disabilities."

Two years ago Jennifer was shot in the mouth with a .22-caliber weapon and the bullet ricocheted down her spinal cord. She received $10,000 through the Victim Witness program, which paid for more than two months of Rehab Without Walls.

The male employee of the year is Craig C. Whitley, a teacher from Thurman White Middle School. Although doctors predicted this child victim of cystic fibrosis wouldn't live longer than the age of 18, he is now 40 and has added juvenile diabetes and cirrhosis of the liver to his ailments. Yes, and through hard work and exercise he is in good physical shape. His commendation tells us, "Even after a strenuous daily routine in the classroom meeting the needs of 150 students in classes and at least 80 students in after-school activities, he finds the stamina to work out for two to three hours to increase his endurance in fighting cystic fibrosis and the related diseases.

"Craig donates countless hours to teach tumbling skills, select music, choreograph routines and design and construct sets and props for staging tumbling performances for 'Knight Flight.' This troupe of approximately 75 students performs at local schools and has traveled to perform for schools in Alaska, Washington, Colorado and California."

Equally impressive are the accomplishments of runner-ups Michelle Hogan of Citibank Nevada and Phillip A. Pownall of UNLV's Disability Resource Center.

A special award will be given Phillip Schmuck. The competition judges created this award for Phillip's perseverance in getting and keeping a job. "Prior to joining Boulder Station he worked for Opportunity Village for a 'very small' salary and Goodwill for $4.25 an hour. He currently earns $10.50 as a kitchen worker. Phillip was born with cerebral palsy, is hard of hearing and has speech difficulties. Phillip takes care of the Team Dining Room. He always smiles and has an excellent attitude toward other team members. Phillip is never late and never calls in sick."

The Angel of the Year award goes to Doug Wyrsch, who is ADA coordinator-risk manager for New York-New York hotel-casino. Nobody has done more to promote awareness to the needs of working people with disabilities.

Tonight special people gather and remind us of the true value of each individual. Their contributions to our society make this a better place for all of us to live and work.