Charlotte Shelton
Synopsis
Charlotte Shelton, diagnosed with cerebral palsy and spastic quadriplegia, has demonstrated remarkable determination and willpower from a young age, excelling in special education and various job roles even with her physical limitations. Her perseverance has led to a successful career at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and active leadership in her community, earning her praise for her positive attitude, work ethic, and infectious love of life.
The Full Story
From the time she was five years old, it was clear that there was something special about Charlotte Shelton. She was selected as the poster girl for the Washington area Easter Seals because she was so outgoing. She was born into an exceptional family that chose to treat Charlotte “just like everyone else” and provided her with unlimited support and encouragement. And from the first day that Charlotte was diagnosed as having cerebral palsy and spastic quadriplegia, she has demonstrated a determination and willpower that is truly special.
Charlotte attended special education classes and upon completion of her classes received glowing reports from her teachers and top marks in motivation and willingness to face new tasks and responsibilities. After completing school, Charlotte entered a nurse’s aide training course. While she was unable to complete this training due to her physical limitations, again she received praise for her motivation and perseverance.
Undaunted, Charlotte entered work adjustment training at The Sheltered Occupational Center (SOC) of Northern Virginia, Inc. in 1967, followed by employment with SOC three months later. Her job responsibilities expanded over the years. Beginning with collating, inserting, and labeling tasks, Charlotte moved on to various bulk mailing chores and mastering the operation of various types of office equipment like addressographs, graphotypes, and scriptomatic machines. Her progress was slow, but with that ever-present determination, Charlotte mastered the operation by using only her index and middle fingers and the palm of her hand.
Excellent work habits, motivation, and positive work attitudes are the traits that have enabled Charlotte to increase her wages eightfold. She has outgrown her earlier responsibilities and moved on to the position of Key Operator II at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. There, performing work formerly done by government employees, her error rate is practically nil.
Charlotte’s leadership and ability to affect the lives of others go beyond the workplace. She was elected to head her cerebral palsy group and served as a representative for her group home in the Chesire Homes Management Committee. She is active in her church and the DAR.
Charlotte is a unique and rare individual who has shown many others how perseverance and determination can lead to success. But perhaps her most compelling attribute is the one that prompted SOC to nominate her for this award: “Her love of people and love of life can be seen and heard every day in her infectious laugh.”
