“I Like This Job Better”: Adam’s Journey from Subminimum Wage to Confidence and Connection

Fearing the unknown should never stop someone from pursuing their goals, especially employment and financial independence. And guess what? People with disabilities want the same opportunities. When South Carolina took the bold step to eliminate subminimum wage for people with disabilities, many families were unsure of what the future would hold. Adam’s family was one of them—afraid, but hopeful.

Adam, a 38-year-old Black man with Pervasive Developmental Disorder NOS (Not Otherwise Specified), but is under the umbrella of intellectual disabilities, spent more than five years in sheltered workshops, earning as little as $1 per hour. Despite working up to 25 hours a week at a local shop, Adam’s paychecks fluctuated wildly—sometimes just $15 for the entire month. “There was a lot of downtime,” he explained quietly. “Sometimes I made less than $1 an hour.”

But that was before change arrived.

In August 2024, Adam started a new chapter working at the University of South Carolina Food Court. He now earns $12 an hour and spends his days bussing tables, helping patrons, and assisting staff. “I like my new job better because I get paid better,” he said with a smile. His mother, affectionately known as Mother Greene, laughed and added, “That’s a big part of it—he loves the cafeteria!”

But it’s more than just a paycheck. When asked how he likes the people he works with, Adam replied, “They’re nice. I’ve made some new friends.” For Adam, having a workplace where he’s not just seen but valued has made a world of difference.

He receives on-the-job support from a job coach at the Babcock Center, who helps him navigate new tasks and build confidence in his role. But Adam isn’t just coasting—he has goals. “I want to save money so I can buy a car and have a garage,” he said proudly. When asked to clarify, he explained, “We only have one garage at the house. Mom uses it. So I need my own for when I get my car.”

Adam has a vision for his future, and now, thanks to fair wages and real work experience, he has a path to get there.

“He’s grown so much,” Sharon, Adam’s mother, shared. “He’s more confident, more social. You can see it in how he carries himself.” When the legislation to end subminimum wage was first introduced, the fear among families was real. But now? “It’s been a great experience. We’re so proud of him.”

Most importantly, Adam got this job the same way anyone else would—by applying, interviewing, and proving he was the right fit. Yes, he still works with the Babcock Center for services and supports, but Adam is the one doing the job. His next goal? To become independent enough that he no longer needs a job coach.

At Able South Carolina, we’re proud to share stories like Adam’s—stories that change minds, dismantle outdated systems, and celebrate the strength, determination, and capabilities of the disability community.

Adam is more than an employee—he’s a man with a plan. And this is just the beginning. Thank you to Adam for allowing us to share his journey, and thank you to the Developmental Disabilities Council, our funders, who supported the development of this story through the PACE initiative.