This is Max. He Has Cerebral Palsy. And His Story Is Truly Heartwarming.
When Max Quaglio was only 4 or 5 years old he would beg his dad to bring him down to the boat launching ramp so he could watch people back their boats into the lake.
His dad said that he would then “critique them for the way they were doing it.”
Despite the people in Max’s life who called him a moron or useless because of his Cerebral palsy, he continued to push past barriers so that he could achieve his passion: to drive heavy machinery like trucks and forklifts.
“I love all the machinery and trucks and cars,” he said.
While Cerebral palsy can limit one’s abilities, it does not automatically mean that you are completely disabled. For Max, he is more than able to operate large vehicles and machines at his job.
He just needed someone to look past his neurological disorder and give him a chance.
Max’s dad worked for Clayton’s Towing Service, which is a family-owned business, so he thought it might be the perfect environment for his son.
When it was first brought to Michael Clayton, the general manager of the business, he was doubtful that it could work out.
Since then Michael said, “I’ve had to eat those words so many times.”
Max’s main job is to move cars with a forklift. Michael said that his memory is unmatched by anyone else in the company and that Max can remember exactly where each car has been placed.
His amazing work ethic and passion for his job continue to propel him forward. He now has the highest level license possible and is even going to college.
He’s now pursuing a business degree studying subjects like supply chain management and has an amazing support system behind him.
Dr. Robert Ogulin, one of Max’s professors at the University of the Sunshine Coast, said, “We’ve seen from other people like Steven Hawking that anything is possible and clearly Max might be on the way to also contribute significantly, and maybe even in a leadership position, to an organization.”
In his free time, he advocates for a local non-profit called Choice. Passion. Life. that helps give people services and tools to overcome roadblocks that stem from impairments and disabilities. They offer education, job coaching, and basic skill training.
Max continues to inspire others to work hard for their goals despite difficult circumstances. Max said, “I believe anything is possible if you have enough passion and drive.”
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