by Tiffiny Carlson
Working, doing a task for money, that�s what makes the world go round. That is how we pay our bills, support ourselves, our families, earn self-respect. And despite the financial assistance available to people with disabilities, many of us want - no need - to work for the exact same reasons.
We want to be part of the same �work feeds the soul� picture. Why? Because it really feeds the soul. We know it and we�ve felt it. I know some PWD are afraid to get out there; finding an employer who�ll look past your disability can be seem overwhelming. They�ll think there�s no point in trying, too many ignorant people to have to change. But there is real reason to have hope, and this is why I love October.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. That's right, the US has an official month dedicated to employing people with disabilities, and this month's roots date back to 1945 during WWII when Congress recognized the need to start employing disabled veterans.
They made the first week of October as �National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week,� and over the years the week has expanded to a month, and the name was changed to what it's called today - National Disability Employment Awareness Month (to include all types of disabilities). And this month, more than ever before, is a VERY good thing for the disability community. Financial freedom is true freedom, almost as much as a wheelchair.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month represents a way of thinking that makes me proud to call the US home. Our country doesn�t automatically assume we can�t be part of the give-and-take picture. While some countries barely regard their disabled citizens, or think of their needs, ours recognizes our employable talents as well. They see us as valid humans.
Here are a few tips on working from a girl who's been doing it for 10 years, and with a spinal cord injury:
- Know your limits: Work yes, and do it well, but don't overdo it. If you�re afraid full-time just won�t work for you because of your disability don't chalk up working altogether. Instead, think about working part time or � time. There's no hard and fast rule to how you should work. I work from home and create my own schedule, and absolutely love it.
- Love what you do: Life is too short to do something you don't like, but it�s up to you to find what it is. There are several financial aid options and employment training available to folks with disabilities. Only you have the power to change your career.
With the economy healing and more jobs becoming available, employers are becoming increasingly open-minded. If you�re looking for that dream job, remember to keep your wheels on the pavement and to have hope. If I can do it, so can you. I mean it.
How did you find a job you love? What do you value most from your job?