Arkansas Highlights Career of Deaf-Blind Custodian
Beth Pope, who is deaf and blind, works as a custodian at the Little Rock Federal Courthouse.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Special Needs
Live Poll
Are local businesses doing enough to provide inclusive employment opportunities for people with disabilities in your community?
During National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October 2026, Arkansas officials highlighted the work of Beth Pope. Pope serves as a custodian at the Little Rock Federal Courthouse and has been employed there since August 23, 2023.
Why it matters
The recognition coincides with National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which draws attention to the capabilities of individuals with disabilities in the workforce. This story highlights the role of state services in facilitating workplace integration.
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services assists over 10,000 residents across the state. In the past year, the agency helped more than 800 individuals with disabilities return to the workforce.
The players
Beth Pope
She is a deaf-blind professional currently working as a custodian at the Little Rock Federal Courthouse.
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
This state agency connects residents with disabilities to employment opportunities and assists businesses with accessibility.
Pride Industries
This organization serves as the employer for Beth Pope at the federal courthouse.
The details
Beth Pope, who is deaf and blind, is employed by Pride Industries to maintain the federal courthouse in Little Rock. Her tenure at the facility began in August 2023 as part of broader efforts to improve employment accessibility in the region.
Timeline
August 23, 2023: Beth Pope began her employment at the courthouse.
October 2026: The state observed National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Culture Shift
This success story follows the pattern set by National Disability Employment Awareness Month to promote inclusive hiring practices. It underscores a broader societal shift toward valuing diverse capabilities in the professional workplace.
For residents seeking similar employment support, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services offers resources to connect job seekers with inclusive employers. These efforts aim to simplify the path to long-term employment for individuals with diverse accessibility needs.
The takeaway
Workplace accessibility initiatives provide tangible opportunities for individuals with disabilities to maintain stable careers. Employers can often succeed by partnering with state agencies to identify and support qualified candidates.
Further reading
For more information on state support for inclusive work environments, visit Special Needs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KATV.
Live Poll
Are local businesses doing enough to provide inclusive employment opportunities for people with disabilities in your community?
