When Richard Wagoner was 24 years old, he was involved in a car accident that left him with lifelong paralysis of his lower body. For nearly 30 years since, he has navigated life in a wheelchair. 

Faced with a permanent and often debilitating disability, Richard turned to illegal substances following the accident to cope with the physical, emotional and mental pain he was experiencing. These choices led to his incarceration for nearly 13 years.

“I didn’t see the bigger picture when I was younger, but I’m proud of how I’ve turned my life around,” Richard said. 

Upon his release, Richard sought part-time employment and discovered Goodwill, where he was hired as a cashier in 2018. 

“The managers at Goodwill are wonderful,” Richard said. “They’re understanding about my challenges. If I’m experiencing back pain due to my disability and need to leave early or take a day off, they don’t punish me or make me feel bad.”

One challenge Richard encountered in his new role was that the cash registers were designed for a standing cashier. However, with some simple adjustments to one of the cashier stations, the Goodwill facilities team created a workspace to lower the cash register, keyboard and cash drawer, allowing Richard to do his job comfortably. 

“What I enjoy most about my job is the people I get to meet and work with,” Richard said. “I’ve developed friendly relationships with many regular customers. I’m also proud to work for an organization that does good work in the community.” 

Richard also worked with a Goodwill Mission Coach – a career and life coach who works with Goodwill’s employees and students to help them address any life barriers – to help him overcome a health concern. In order to weigh himself, he had to go to a medical facility that had a roll-on scale designed for an individual in a wheelchair, but with the assistance of his Mission Coach, Goodwill helped cover the costs of a roll-on scale for Richard’s home.

“I’m grateful to work with people who understand my disability, support me and treat me with respect,” Richard said. “Goodwill practices what it preaches.”

The unemployment rate for persons with disabilities is double that of persons without disabilities. Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana employs ~1,100 Hoosiers with a disability – about 30% of our workforce – and is one of the largest employers in the state of persons with disabilities. 

Since 1990, the ADA has protected persons with disabilities from discrimination, codifying what Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana has been doing for nearly 95 years. This year, the ADA celebrates its 34th anniversary. 

To learn more about goodwill, visit goodwillindy.org.