3 answers
Shea
Student
Upton, Massachusetts
5
Questions
Asked
475 views
How much would having a disability effect my job.
I have left side field of vision loss and loss of sensation. #able
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3 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1664
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Shea,
That is difficult to say, without knowing how it affects you now. As previously mentioned, there are some jobs that will be out of your reach. Police officer is probably one of them. Loss of sensation could affect ability to do things like welding. However, as more and more accommodations come about, there is less and less we cannot do!
There are some companies that are more willing to work with people with disabilities. Truth be told, some companies fight accommodations every step of the way. Also, just because the accommodation you think will work best is the one you ask for, they can give you a different one. For example, I attended a college with very cold classrooms. I asked for permission to bring in my own little heater. They gave me permission to use an electric blanket.
As one who has filed EEOC complaints, grievances, and yes, even a lawsuit, I want to tell you that often, when you start fighting, it only gets worse. That is why I encourage you to identify companies with good records for working with people with disabilities. I don't know any way to research this in particular, but, if you Google, "companies that work best with people with disabilities," there is a lot of matches. Also, you always want to be good at what you do! Don't ever be "that" employee who is kept around simply because they "feel sorry" for you or fear repercussions if they let you go. Always do your best!
Kim
That is difficult to say, without knowing how it affects you now. As previously mentioned, there are some jobs that will be out of your reach. Police officer is probably one of them. Loss of sensation could affect ability to do things like welding. However, as more and more accommodations come about, there is less and less we cannot do!
There are some companies that are more willing to work with people with disabilities. Truth be told, some companies fight accommodations every step of the way. Also, just because the accommodation you think will work best is the one you ask for, they can give you a different one. For example, I attended a college with very cold classrooms. I asked for permission to bring in my own little heater. They gave me permission to use an electric blanket.
As one who has filed EEOC complaints, grievances, and yes, even a lawsuit, I want to tell you that often, when you start fighting, it only gets worse. That is why I encourage you to identify companies with good records for working with people with disabilities. I don't know any way to research this in particular, but, if you Google, "companies that work best with people with disabilities," there is a lot of matches. Also, you always want to be good at what you do! Don't ever be "that" employee who is kept around simply because they "feel sorry" for you or fear repercussions if they let you go. Always do your best!
Kim
Roger Perrier
Sales
20
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Roger’s Answer
Hello Shea I am not disable but I know several examples of friends and famous people who have a fulfilling job.
Some famous examples.
Nicholas James Vujicic an Australian motivational speaker born without arms and legs.
No limbs no Problem - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XB7r-1t9_RY
Pablo Echenique - physicist and Spanish politician -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pablo_Echenique_Robba
Last but not least, one of the greatest physicist and cosmologist this planet has seen.
Stephen Hawking https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Hawking
Hope it helps
Some famous examples.
Nicholas James Vujicic an Australian motivational speaker born without arms and legs.
No limbs no Problem - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XB7r-1t9_RY
Pablo Echenique - physicist and Spanish politician -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pablo_Echenique_Robba
Last but not least, one of the greatest physicist and cosmologist this planet has seen.
Stephen Hawking https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Hawking
Hope it helps
Richard Wolf
R&D and Applied Enginering
31
Answers
Pahrump, Nevada
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Hi. I'm disabled also. There's a bunch of us so don't feel alone or isolated and don't let people imply that your limited in ability to serve your community and fulfill your dreams.
That is number one...
Now for the "number two" ... your probably not going to be a fighter pilot any time soon. Modifying a $45,000,000 jet is just not "reasonable" or is it?. Lets explore what "reasonable" means... because that word is probably going to be in front of "accommodation" sooner or later.
In the grand ol USA there is a special federal law that outlines Disabled Rights in the workforce. Its The "American Disabilities Act" and its a good place to start. This act is not about lawsuits as much as a good structure for understanding both sides of the challenges you may face.
The magic word is "reasonable accommodation" . Lets see what they say....
"... a reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done during the hiring process. These modifications enable an individual with a disability to have an equal opportunity not only to get a job, but successfully perform their job tasks to the same extent as people without disabilities..."
With vision problems you may need some accessibility features on your computer. Maybe a doctor recommends special monitor. People ( like me ) with cataract surgery must limit time on a computer due to eye strain... perhaps a projector helps increase that time limit if your job demands it .
I'm just guessing but asking for a special chair and a bigger monitor , perhaps a "standing desk" that distances you better is pretty reasonable. Modifying that fighter jet probably will be hard sell.
I really like Kim's post and advise... read about the heater/blanket thing she discusses ... NOLO ( a legal advise website) states ... "Once you ask for an accommodation, your employer must engage in what the law calls a “flexible, interactive process”.
If your really motivated, and have $45,000,000 in your piggy bank, tell them you will bring your own modified jet... (....or corrective glasses. )
The key is "work it out" and when you consider your aspirations... think through what is "reasonable" to accommodate your disability.
Next... get medical staff involved! "occupational and physical therapy" can be specialized to help you get past challenges , special optics perhaps, or maybe medication to improve sensation during work hours. A doctor and staff specializing in your condition is a great starting place to pursue your career goals:
- Tell them what you want to do and get them involved in addressing ALL the limitations you may face
- Get "Notes" and such that identify your limitations. By law employers cant dig into medical issues.. so your "Note" can summarize and explain limitations without leaving any questions or requiring a lot of detail
- DISCUSS this from the medical advise viewpoint and assure your potential employer that accommodation can be "reasonable" and your able to do the job
- Ask your doctor for recommendations for accommodation. get some costs and availability together.
- Do your part...with the medical facts in mind, ASK yourself what is "reasonable" and then express that!
While we are on the medical side of this... don't just think "now" ... project ahead. You certainly don't want your job to worsen your condition. Talk to medical and others familiar with your disabilities and factor in the health effects moving forward. Is a computer going to make that eye issue worse? what other accommodations are needed to prevent more issues? There isn't a whole bunch of concern beyond accommodate, but this is one of em.
If salary or benefits, or any modification to "entitlement" is negotiated factoring in disability,.. don't lose your temper. Just say "that's not reasonable" while thinking about the main goal... keeping the opportunity open . There is a way to be strict on whats appropriate. You might want to practice that a bit. Its tough to keep your cool when your treated badly.
Accommodation, by law, should not be considered "special treatment" . Focus on the skills and the job, not the challenge.
A job description can be changed! If there are some unreasonable aspects.. then consider asking to change that.. if you are talented or prove your better than the rest you would probably be able to mold that job to better accommodate your limitations.
Whatever you do DON'T THREATEN.. it will get you nowhere. Show your abilities, ask, then get response
If you feel your being discriminated, then complain by all means! that's your right. Go to ADA and look at that option when needed. Dont take mine or anyone's advise! Get the facts, talk to a pro. This is serious stuff!
Check out http://www.askjan.org/ ( "job accommodation network" ) with department of labor. Check out thier practical guide to negotiating accommodation.
Back to number one. Dont let anyone tell you your limitations! You dont need "permission" to have disabilities and you certainly dont need the judgement of your limitations by your peers! Thats not even a factor !
If there is one career that just fits you perfectly your going to need to work it out! Motivated double amputees run marathons . Perhaps that "fighter submarine" career just doesn't excite you, even if vision isn't so important! The point is there is always a path if your motivated. Knowing goals is 95% of achieving them!
Good luck to you!
Richard "eye can do this!" Wolf
That is number one...
Now for the "number two" ... your probably not going to be a fighter pilot any time soon. Modifying a $45,000,000 jet is just not "reasonable" or is it?. Lets explore what "reasonable" means... because that word is probably going to be in front of "accommodation" sooner or later.
In the grand ol USA there is a special federal law that outlines Disabled Rights in the workforce. Its The "American Disabilities Act" and its a good place to start. This act is not about lawsuits as much as a good structure for understanding both sides of the challenges you may face.
The magic word is "reasonable accommodation" . Lets see what they say....
"... a reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done during the hiring process. These modifications enable an individual with a disability to have an equal opportunity not only to get a job, but successfully perform their job tasks to the same extent as people without disabilities..."
With vision problems you may need some accessibility features on your computer. Maybe a doctor recommends special monitor. People ( like me ) with cataract surgery must limit time on a computer due to eye strain... perhaps a projector helps increase that time limit if your job demands it .
I'm just guessing but asking for a special chair and a bigger monitor , perhaps a "standing desk" that distances you better is pretty reasonable. Modifying that fighter jet probably will be hard sell.
I really like Kim's post and advise... read about the heater/blanket thing she discusses ... NOLO ( a legal advise website) states ... "Once you ask for an accommodation, your employer must engage in what the law calls a “flexible, interactive process”.
If your really motivated, and have $45,000,000 in your piggy bank, tell them you will bring your own modified jet... (....or corrective glasses. )
The key is "work it out" and when you consider your aspirations... think through what is "reasonable" to accommodate your disability.
Next... get medical staff involved! "occupational and physical therapy" can be specialized to help you get past challenges , special optics perhaps, or maybe medication to improve sensation during work hours. A doctor and staff specializing in your condition is a great starting place to pursue your career goals:
- Tell them what you want to do and get them involved in addressing ALL the limitations you may face
- Get "Notes" and such that identify your limitations. By law employers cant dig into medical issues.. so your "Note" can summarize and explain limitations without leaving any questions or requiring a lot of detail
- DISCUSS this from the medical advise viewpoint and assure your potential employer that accommodation can be "reasonable" and your able to do the job
- Ask your doctor for recommendations for accommodation. get some costs and availability together.
- Do your part...with the medical facts in mind, ASK yourself what is "reasonable" and then express that!
While we are on the medical side of this... don't just think "now" ... project ahead. You certainly don't want your job to worsen your condition. Talk to medical and others familiar with your disabilities and factor in the health effects moving forward. Is a computer going to make that eye issue worse? what other accommodations are needed to prevent more issues? There isn't a whole bunch of concern beyond accommodate, but this is one of em.
If salary or benefits, or any modification to "entitlement" is negotiated factoring in disability,.. don't lose your temper. Just say "that's not reasonable" while thinking about the main goal... keeping the opportunity open . There is a way to be strict on whats appropriate. You might want to practice that a bit. Its tough to keep your cool when your treated badly.
Accommodation, by law, should not be considered "special treatment" . Focus on the skills and the job, not the challenge.
A job description can be changed! If there are some unreasonable aspects.. then consider asking to change that.. if you are talented or prove your better than the rest you would probably be able to mold that job to better accommodate your limitations.
Whatever you do DON'T THREATEN.. it will get you nowhere. Show your abilities, ask, then get response
If you feel your being discriminated, then complain by all means! that's your right. Go to ADA and look at that option when needed. Dont take mine or anyone's advise! Get the facts, talk to a pro. This is serious stuff!
Check out http://www.askjan.org/ ( "job accommodation network" ) with department of labor. Check out thier practical guide to negotiating accommodation.
Back to number one. Dont let anyone tell you your limitations! You dont need "permission" to have disabilities and you certainly dont need the judgement of your limitations by your peers! Thats not even a factor !
If there is one career that just fits you perfectly your going to need to work it out! Motivated double amputees run marathons . Perhaps that "fighter submarine" career just doesn't excite you, even if vision isn't so important! The point is there is always a path if your motivated. Knowing goals is 95% of achieving them!
Good luck to you!
Richard "eye can do this!" Wolf