Easter Seals Disability Services

Robert Beckham - 2012 Tailgate Bash Ambassador

A likeable guy with a killer smile, Robert only wants to stand out in the crowd. He makes sure that his extraordinary abilities take center stage. The fact that he has a disability is not how he wants to be defined. Easter Seals has helped Robert, who lives with epilepsy, maximize his potential and increase his self-esteem and independence. His abilities can be seen clearly in his carpentry skills he has developed in the Easter Seals TriState program, Building Ability. At Building Ability, Robert and others in the program take a concept from conception to development and completion. In Building Ability, individuals served take reused or recycled materials and make useful and beautiful handcrafted items to sell to the public. Items include Adirondack furniture, children’s animal rockers and garden planters.

Robert, the 2012 Tailgate Bash Ambassador, came to Easter Seals TriState in early 2012 to help him take control of his career and future by developing and refining his work skills. A young man who just turned 30, he realized that there was more to life than hanging with his friends. He knew it was time to get serious and he turned to Easter Seals TriState to help him make the necessary changes. Today, Robert is able to explore a newfound passion for woodworking and the environment through his work in Building Ability. He is extremely proud that most of the products built in Building Ability are made from recycled lumber. He has also grown his confidence so much that he is the top sales person and loves to talk to anyone about the products he and his coworkers make.