Tag Archives: community

Influence in the Workplace

“I remember that day very well. The event was early in the morning and it was very cold outside. I had been back from rehabilitation about six months. I was still very weak and had been battling medical issues. However, I felt the adrenaline of being asked to speak and all of the great people in the room. The only thing I know is to speak from my heart. Hopefully, you will enjoy this video of the event. Blessings to all,” Tommy.

On April 9th, 2010, exactly 14 months after Tommy was injured, he was asked to share his testimony to a gathering of people at Workmatters in Fayetteville, AR. We thought you might enjoy hearing his talk. It is a powerful statement of faith.

Wheelchair Accessibility

If you clicked on this title to read about the environmental aspects of wheelchair accessibility, sorry to disappoint, but the title is actually a play on words. This is an observation about how some people learn to create an atmosphere that invites people to connect with them.

Tommy is confident but self-effacing, as well as quick-witted, warm, and, at his core, kind-hearted. I find this is true of Mark, his brother-in-law, and Vicki, his sister, too. These traits have worked in their favor as they have made many friends over their lifetime.

Nine plus years ago Tommy was “gifted” with a wheelchair. I use the word gift because I have noticed that when people he meets get beyond the visual of his physical difference, they enjoy conversing with him. One of Tommy’s behaviors I have noticed that helps to ease other’s apprehension are that when he enters a space, he is usually the first to speak and smile. This intentional act informs those who don’t know him that he can speak and that he is approachable. Continue reading