Honoring 15 Years of Services

The IOD Congratulates "Captain" Pete Macalaster

If you have ever called or visited the IOD’s Durham office, chances are you have been greeted by the lively hello and friendly smile of Office Assistant Pete Macalaster. Pete was recently recognized by the University for his 15 years of service with the IOD.

Before coming to the IOD, Pete’s disability was often viewed as a barrier to his ability to work. Even after 20 years of working as a courier for a local bank, Pete was still viewed by some people as a “gimp” or “only good for driving a cab,” as he puts it. “Once I started at the IOD, it was a complete turnaround,” he says. “People never questioned my ability. They said ‘Here’s a job. Do it how you feel comfortable.’ People were more accommodating of my needs.”

As a constant figure at the Durham office front desk, Pete has seen a lot of changes at the IOD throughout the years. As the organization has grown—both strategically and in number of staff—Pete has seen a shift in how the IOD works together and with other organizations to accomplish its mission. Whether the IOD is submitting a grant or pulling together packets of materials for a professional development workshop, “there is more collaboration and better communication among staff to get things done,” he says.

Pete has also experienced some significant personal changes since coming to the IOD. “I used to be a very negative person,” he says. “Once I got involved at the IOD, slowly my attitude got better. Now, I love my job and I want to stay as long as I can get up in the morning, come to work, and fulfill the IOD’s needs and expectations.”

Pete also contributes to the University learning environment by guest lecturing in education and kinesiology classes. “It’s important for students to know that everyone should be able to be independent if they want to be. Don’t say ‘You can’t.’ Everyone should be given a chance.”

From all of us here at the IOD, we thank you, Pete, for your tireless service and commitment to the IOD’s vision of seeing all people, including those living with disabilities, as fully engaged members of communities, leading independent, productive, and satisfying lives.