Gale Vanator has not allowed being mildly developmentally disabled prevent her from working two jobs and teaching others how to cope with disabilities.
Vanator, 56, a Cardinal Center client, who has been mildly developmentally disabled since birth, describes her condition as a learning disability.Those who meet Vanator may never know she has a learning disability because she works two jobs at Noa Noa and Mason Health Care Center, lives with a roommate and describes herself as someone who can't sit still for long.
Gov. Mitch Daniels has declared March as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The month is to recognize those with disabilities who are employed.
Vanator does not drive so she rides her bike to her jobs. She takes the city bus, or Cardinal Center employees provide her with transportation on rainy or snowy days.
She uses her love of cooking by working at Mason Health Care Center in the kitchen where she prepares and serves food and washes dishes. She has worked at the center since April 1999.
She also has worked at Noa Noa since the fall, doing dishes and serving food.
"I am a social person and like to interact with the residents, and like the people I meet," Vanator said.
Mason Health Care Center Administrator Lillian Horton said Vanator's work is appreciated.
"Gail is energetic and goes out of her way to help the residents," Horton said.
Noa Noa Manager Libby Ihnen said Vanator is an asset to the restaurant.
"Since she started last fall, I haven't seen her in a bad mood or working without a smile on her face," Ihnen said.
Vanator works four days a week at Mason Health Care Center and works at Noa Noa Tuesday through Friday during the lunch shift.
When she is not working, Vanator enjoys cooking for her friends and neighbors, bowling and singing karaoke. She also participates in Special Olympics with her favorite events being long jump and shot put.
Vanator also keeps busy by leading Cardinal Center's Self Advocates program where those with disabilities learn about current events and issues affecting people with disabilities. The group meets the second Thursday of each month at Cardinal Center.
The group allows those with disabilities to communicate on issues of concern with elected officials and others in positions making decisions affecting people with disabilities, according to Christine Rigdon, Cardinal Center direct support professional.
Rigdon has overseen Vanator for two years by assisting her with her finances and serving as a counselor.
"Gale tries and will get the best out of her life in everything she seeks to find and do," Rigdon said.
Vanator does Internet research to look for conferences and information that helps people with disabilities to succeed in life and shares the information with the Self Advocate's members.
"I want people with disabilities like me to have a voice and let them know they can still do things they want in life," Vanator said.
