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South Jersey Man Refuses To Allow Disability Define Him

MOUNT LAUREL N.J. (CBS) -- The month of October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, designed to raise awareness about the importance of finding meaningful work for people with disabilities. More than 5 million people are living with disabilities nationwide. Some can't work, but many can.

Getting out of his wheelchair and walking was something that Walter Crary was told would never happen. "I couldn't do anything that was just so hard, I didn't want to live," Walter says.

But he's thriving now working at Home Depot where's he's frequently been awarded employee of the month and top seller. It was a motorcycle accident 10 years ago that initially left Walter unable to move his arms and legs. He's been a welder, an out-doors-man, who looked a lot different with really long hair. He cut it, donating 36 inches to Locks of Love.

Walter's transformation happened here at Bancroft NeuroRehab in South jersey, first with physical therapy. He's now able to walk short distances. He also gets occupational, vocational training and career counseling.

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Lois Forman, Director of Outpatient Vocational Services says, "There's a misconception that people with disabilities are not capable of doing things, that they are going to be slower, that they won't be as productive. but that's not true." She works with patients like Walter to get them back into the work force. "Work brings meaning to people's lives, it's such an important part of everybody's life and people with disabilities want to go out and work as well," Lois says

Walter who's 58 years old has been working for a year now he says, "It's just so good, makes me feel so good you know."

And his award collection will be growing. Next, from the New Jersey Department of Labor, Walter will be honored for achieving career goals and dreams after devastating injuries and moving past his disabilities. Walter says, "It's beyond belief, it really is."

In addition to all those awards Walter is engaged to be married. He says Bancroft NeuroRehab turned his life around. He's sharing his story hoping more companies will give opportunities to people with disabilities.

You can learn more about Bancroft NeuroRehab's vocational services at www.BNRinfo.org or by calling 844-234-8387.

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