Photo: Courtesy of Cameron Toye
NEWBURYPORT, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Cameron Toye, 31, works at the Newburyport Recycling Center. It is part of his full-time job with the city of Newburyport.
“It makes me feel really good that I can get a paycheck every two weeks and have my own money,” he said.
Cameron was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 8 months old. That’s also when he began having seizures. He has some limited use of his right hand and right foot, and suffers from a learning disorder.
Ten years ago, when he was still in high school, Cameron started working part time for the city. The opportunity was made possible by a grant through The Arc of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport and the city of Newburyport.
Cameron is now a full-time employee in the Recycling, Energy, and Sustainability Department.
Read More: The Arc Of Massachusetts Works On Legislation To Protect Those With IDD
“His mother and I are extremely proud,” his father, Robert Toye, said. “He always wants to work. He’s willing to do whatever the city asks him to do.”
Cameron has also been promoted to supervise a small group of other employees.
“I just make sure they stay on task and stuff, and not get distracted,” he said.
In late January, he moved out of his parents’ house and into an apartment. And with the help of some services, he’s living on his own. It took some adjusting, but Cameron is used to it now and likes it a lot.
“It feels really good to have my own place,” he said.
The Arc of Massachusetts is celebrating its 70th year with a gala on Nov. 9, 2023. The non-profit is dedicated to enhancing the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Click here to learn how to donate.
WBZ NewsRadio's Shari Small (@ShariSmallNews) reports:
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