There's a saying that we often use in this field, nothing about us without us.

In other words, don't make a decision or a determination about what's best for me as someone who has a disability without incorporating my input.

My name is Keith Williams.

I'm the manager of OVR Grant and Advocacy here at MySeal Center for Independent Living in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

I grew up in Northeast Pennsylvania, where I'm Clark's Green.

I have a lifelong physical disability of what's called arthrogryposis, and I've had that since birth.

So I think that largely my personal experiences with having a disability has shaped my work, my career, and my enjoyment at working at the Center for Independent Living.

I get 14-inch wooden dowels made for me, and my brother actually gets them for me.

And that is how I use the keyboard, dial phone, maybe grab a pen that's rolling across my desk, try to grab it before it gets away.

So it really works well.

In the late 60s, I was in a totally segregated school in Lackawanna County.

So all of my friends had disabilities, but all the classes were segregated.

It was only students with disabilities.

On a typical day, in typical areas, often begin with checking email, getting back to some voicemails that were left.

Where can I get on a Medicaid waiver and have an aide come into my home and help me with the activities of daily living?

I will conduct public speaking engagements.

So I'll often go to the University of Scranton, other organizations.

We do disability awareness exercises.

I do education of legislators about state and federal programs that are needed.

Or it could be that someone is looking for housing.

I need an apartment that's both affordable and accessible.

Call me a nerd if you must, but I like school.

I went to King's College, received a bachelor's degree in communications, and I did a three - hour shift at the King's radio station, WRKC - FM.

During that point, I was able to go back to school and received a master's degree from the University of Scranton in human resources administration.

Being in a wheelchair helps me and is an asset in this kind of a job.

Think about it.

Who knows best what we need, when I say we, people with disabilities in general, what we need in terms of access and services than ourselves.

That's why it's always important to consult and to ask and be directed by that person with a disability.

I think we should stick with what works, but what does everybody else think?

It's going to be a little harder this year.

I think some of the qualities that will help somebody succeed is for somebody to be a people person and I think just passionate about the area that you're involved with and that commitment to know that yes, you're going to be frustrated from time to time, as we all are, but it's important to just keep plugging away.

I think I love the people most about my job.

I work with a great staff.

I love just going out and meeting new people, spreading the word about disability awareness issues, so it's great to be able to get the word across.

Follow your heart.

Follow whatever career that you are interested in.

Nobody knows your interests and your abilities better than you.