A Demonstration on Determination
A case study in Supported Employment

"If a young lady with a disability comes in and sees me in my uniform being professional, then she’ll believe it’s a possibility for her, too," said Michelle Bock. "I’m aware that I can have that effect everyday."

Michelle has been working at Wegmans Food Markets on Transit Road in Williamsville for nearly seven years. Aspire of Western New York’s Specialized Support Services program helped her secure the job.

Initially, Michelle wasn’t all that in favor of it. "Aspire believed in me when I really didn’t believe in myself that well," said Michelle. "Specialized Support Services saw the long term. Now I’m reaping the benefits of what they were able to see. They knew I could become a fixture at that store. I feel like I am."

Michelle has taken her primary responsibility of demonstration work a step further. She wasn’t going to settle for just selling. She wanted to become an expert by taking the time to learn about the foods she was demonstrating. Today, Michelle is a good resource for customers on nutrition and food trends. In addition, she has developed relationships with several customers whom she calls her regulars that come into the store and find her specifically.

"Customers seek Michelle out," said Rocky Thompson, bulk foods team leader and sales and demonstration coordinator for Wegmans. "She has her own clientele that look for her. She always works to the best of her ability, with enthusiasm and a smile on her face."

Michelle explained that customers appreciate the way she knows their needs, which helps build the sense of community Wegmans prides itself on. "You get to know the customers’ likes and dislikes, allergies, and dietary restrictions. I can say, ‘Hey Mr. Jones, I have something perfect for you.’"

Not all customers are accepting at first, though. That has been the most difficult thing about Michelle’s job. "They’re sometimes shocked to see someone in a wheelchair, because it’s not normal," said Michelle. "It’s sometimes difficult when I’m demonstrating in my aisle and there’s somebody else two aisles down from me. A customer might go to that person first. Sometimes I think, ‘Aren’t I wearing the same uniform?’ I get it and I don’t like it, but I understand where people are coming from."

It helps that Wegmans operates as a true partner in employing individuals with disabilities, understanding and supporting them to overcome the unique challenges they face. For example, Wegmans modified the standard demonstration table for Michelle. They replaced the typical wheeled station – which wouldn’t be practical for Michelle because of her wheelchair – with a standard table. They also put the supplies on a lower shelf so Michelle can reach them.

"At Wegmans, you don’t feel like you’re the token representative of all ‘disabled-dom,’" said Michelle. "That’s how I felt at my first job, like all had to be absolutely perfect. If I messed up, I messed up for all disabled people everywhere. That’s a really hard thing to live under."

Michelle is not ashamed of the fact that she has cerebral palsy. "It’s like having glasses or brown hair. I’m not going to say this is not so bad, because I have days when I think it really is. But I’m not going to feel sorry for myself either."

Michelle’s employment has had a profound impact on her life. "I’m able to cook for myself and make wise nutritional choices because of the experiences I’ve gained."

She is proud of the fact that Wegmans has been named one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" by Fortune magazine for 10 consecutive years. "I have a feeling of pride that I’m part of what makes Wegmans the best."