Daphne movie theater worker shares message for others with disabilities

DAPHNE, Ala. ( WKRG ) — October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. It is a month meant to celebrate the value and talent that workers with disabilities add to America's workforce and economy.

According to a news release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics , 22.5% of people with a disability were employed in 2023. Dalton Haddix, a 34-year-old usher at the AMC Theatre in Daphne, was one of those people. He has epilepsy, cerebral palsy, brain damage, and is legally blind.

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Haddix hasn't let this stop him from devoting almost 13 years to AMC. Dalton is currently the second longest-serving employee working at the theatre and is usually the reason why guests leave positive feedback, News 5 has learned.

Haddix told WKRG that he loves his job and he's continued to work there because of the support he receives from his coworkers.

News 5 had the opportunity to sit down and talk to his mom, Carolyn, who said growing up there were tougher days than others for Dalton. She said that while this was his reality, he always remained kind and optimistic to others.

She also told News 5 that she is forever grateful for the positive atmosphere that the AMC team created for Dalton and other employees.

Sara Chambers, a local mom who was at the theatre during the interview, mentioned that her son Logan has cerebral palsy and brain damage. Many times, Dalton has shared encouragement to her and her son saying that her son will walk again just like he did.

Dalton shared that his daily goal is to put a smile on one person's face. He also told News 5 what he particularly loves about working at AMC.

"They make me feel like a person, instead of having to go by my disability," said Haddix. "I'm treated like an equal person just like them. It makes me feel really good."

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Dalton also has a YouTube channel called 'Disability Days with Dalton' where he shares positive content on how people with disabilities have their ways of overcoming obstacles.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics also noted that employment is much lower for people with a disability than for people without.

Resources for both employers and employees to enhance disability inclusion in the workplace can be found on the Office of Disability Employment Policy's website .