Every job seeker has a story and Richard Thomas’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and heart. A client of Columbia Ability Alliance’s Employment Services Program, Richard is wheelchair-bound and non-verbal, but communicates fluently using adaptive technology mounted to his chair. His determination and positive energy are impossible to miss.
In his video resume, Richard makes one thing clear: he’s eager and ready to work. He’s especially interested in roles like greeting customers or pushing grocery carts, jobs where his friendly presence and drive can shine. He’s also experienced in washing tables, making deliveries, and data entry.
“I have a dream to pull shopping carts and put them away. I am also open to kinds of employment.”
Finding Strength in Support and Innovation
Richard’s journey to employment isn’t one he’s on alone. He works closely with a job coach from Columbia Ability Alliance who helps identify opportunities that match his skills, interests, and accessibility needs.
What makes Richard remarkable isn’t just how he communicates, but how he connects. Using Morse code input technology, he expresses his ideas clearly, sets goals, and builds relationships all while navigating a world not always designed with inclusion in mind.
“I like to meet you soon. Thank you for consider me. Wish me good luck!”
What He Brings to the Workplace
Richard is more than his resume. He’s reliable, motivated, and passionate about doing a good job. He’s looking for a team that values effort and sees beyond assumptions. His past experience shows he can adapt and contribute and with the right workplace, his potential will continue to grow.
His strengths include:
- Friendly and welcoming demeanor (perfect for front-line roles)
- Strong attention to detail (ideal for repetitive or structured tasks like data entry)
- Ability to learn through technology and assistive tools
- A supportive job coach who will work with employers to ensure a successful match
Let’s Help Richard Find the Right Opportunity
At Columbia Ability Alliance, we’re honored to support job seekers like Richard who break barriers with every step — or wheel — forward. His passion, creativity, and readiness to contribute make him a standout candidate in any setting.
Know someone hiring for a front-of-house, retail, or light operations role? Contact our Employment Services Team to learn how you can meet and potentially hire Richard.
Let’s help him roll into his next opportunity and celebrate all the ways ability shows up at work.
