Dear Paula

From Wheelchair To Work - Getting The Job

2009-06-29T17:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Paula,

I am paralyzed from the waist down due to a spinal cord injury from an automobile accident. I am now confined to a wheelchair. Before the accident, I worked as a bookkeeper, but I lost my job when I was in the hospital. I am ready to get on with my life and I would like to return to work. I am a little sensitive about my appearance, and I am also worried about what I will tell prospective employers when they ask me why I am in a wheelchair. Do you have any suggestions?

Melanie in Georgia

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Dear Melanie,

It is ILLEGAL for employers to ask you any questions directly about your disability such as “ Are you paralyzed?” or indirectly to elicit information about your disability such as “Why are you in a wheelchair?’The American with Disabilities Act of 1990 under the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission was created to protect you from discrimination because of a disability much the same as it protects persons from answering questions about their age, race, religion or sexual preference.

Educated employers will ONLY ask you about your ability to do the essential functions of the job. Questions such as ‘Can you operate a computer or Can you write checks” would appear to be perfectly legitimate types of questions for a bookkeeper as it is essential that most bookkeepers be able to do this in their jobs.It would probably not be acceptable for a prospective employer to ask you questions such as ‘Can you walk?’ unless walking for some reason (I can’t imagine what in a bookkeeping position) is an essential part of the job.

Nonetheless, the fact remains that discrimination laws take many years and individual efforts before there is true integration and it is quite possible that, even though it is not legal, you may be asked questions pertaining to your disability in an interview. My advice is to educate employers gently by ‘Addressing the Concern’ not the question.

If an employer ask you why you are in a wheelchair, you may want to respond with answers such as ‘Is that a problem on the job?’ or their concern that it may interfere with your work - ‘Hasn’t kept me from doing bookkeeping, yet.’ Redirect the interview back to job-related questions and be ready to talk about your professional abilities.By the way, are you up-to-date with current computer bookkeeping programs? It is best if you are as current as you can be on the programs you know and consider some schooling to learn new software.

In regards to feeling sensitive about your appearance, this is a common concern of job hunters with or without a disability. Although you may feel self-conscious initially, either find a work from home position or my suggestion is ‘Fake it until you make it.’ Take a little extra care with your grooming and choose nice clothes. Look your best and you will certainly feel better and make a better impression. Remember the company needs good solid, honest employees like you!

Free Job Help Includes Vocational Counseling

2009-03-25T12:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Paula,
Help! I am a 47 year male who has always worked as a driver. I hurt my back unloading my truck when some boxes fell off and knocked me down. In fact, tests show that I have three herniated disks L3, L4, & L5. There is no way I will ever be able to sit for any length of time and driving is all I know how to do. I am on SSDI. I am told that if I have a Ticket To Work that I might get free job help. I am afraid to call Social Security because if I get a job I might lose my cash disability payments.
Thanks,

Billy in Florida

Dear Billy,

Sorry to hear you were injured and I can certainly understand your fear of losing your SSDI payments.

First of all you cannot lose any benefits just by calling the Social Security Administration and asking questions. But let me save you a call and let you know that you (may be) are automatically eligible for the Ticket To Work Program if you receive SSDI . The wonderful thing about this federal return to work program is that you do not lose your disability determination or even your cash benefits while you try working at a job. You can earn money from work AND still receive SSDI benefits. Learn more at http://www.myemploymentoptions.com/ticket.php.

Once you decide you want to return to work, you assign your Ticket to a Social Security Administration Certified Employment Network who, if they work like Employment Options, will assign you a personal vocational counselor.

Without any cost to you, the counselor will spend time getting to know you - your past work history, your interests and abilities. They will talk to you about your past employment history and may give you some skills tests. It isn't painful at all and, really, most of my clients, are relieved to finally have someone help them find a job.

Although you can not return to work as a driver, it is possible that there is another profession which will not aggravate your back and that you can do well. The beauty of working with a vocational counselor is that they know how to discover your most employable skills and can match your skills with a job that it is suitable for you.

At Employment Options, we believe everyone has different abilities and that includes you!

Resumes Highlight Skills To Overcome Obstacles

2009-02-17T16:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Paula,

I am struggling with my resume - For the last ten years, I have been working in the food service industry in a management position. Due to my current physical condition, I am no longer able to manage the heavy lifting and constant standing that my position requires.

My entire career has been in food services, either as a cook, restaurant manager, or deli manager. I have supervised up to 60 persons including wait staff, cooks, counter, sales, and banquet prep staff. There are no alternative positions in my industry which pay comparably and which are not be too strenuous for me. Do you have any suggestions?

Ronnie in California

Dear Ronnie,

As a manager you have a lot of skills that are useful in other types of industries. You likely had to hire, fire and train staff, develop and maximize customer service policies to achieve higher sales and customer satisfaction, prepare budgets, project labor costs and profit and loss statements, and order and maintain inventory.

You probably are familiar with employment, safety and sanitation laws. Focus your resume on your transferable skills and abilities instead of the industry. There are many industries that can utilize your ability to manage people and ensure profitability as well as ensure quality customer service back. Your experience could be quite valuable in many different types of industries. Consider a customer service environment, government office, educational facility or any industry that involves coordinating and managing people.

If you are going to write your own resume, be sure to describe yourself in positive qualities like dependable, detail oriented, and excellent interpersonal skills. These types of descriptors can be quite effective when utilized in a resume. They are often included in the profile or summary of qualifications.

Hiring a professional resume writer may be worth your while. Many communities have free services to help with resumes and there are free downloadable resume templates. Also, if you are on SSDI/SSI and have an official Ticket To Work, certified employment networks, Employment Options, will do it for free. (1-800-441-3114)