As an adult who has been working most of my life, I would like to also share some insight on the additional issues I have in looking for work. Again, (and I will keep repeating this) I can only speak on behalf my own disability, and those with disabilities very similar to mine.
So, let’s say you’re looking for a job. Other than qualifications, location, salary - the usual - is there anything else you look for? I have the added pleasure of including physical barriers as part of my work search. There are so many things most people don’t HAVE to think about.
Let me walk you through it 😂
I find a job that fits my employment needs. What happens next?
I secure an interview after asking if the business is accessible - which most of the time I am assured it is but is not always the case.
Example: Back in New York I was called in to interview for a job on Long Island. I was told it was on the second floor but there was an elevator. Cool. I showed up and it was raining. It was one of those outdoor elevators just for wheelchairs (I’m sure there’s a name but ironically i don’t know what it is). Outdoor elevators are probably really useful in places where it doesn't rain or snow, but NY? Not so much. Anyway, I tried to get on but guess what? In order to operate the elevator you had to go to the second floor office to ask for assistance. I know - dumb AF. Welcome to my life.
2. When I do arrive, I have to park my van. You would think this would be easy, but that’s not always the case. Parking is always a craps shoot - especially for smaller businesses who don’t even have accessible parking. They don’t always “need” to unless someone decides to complain. I don’t want to be ‘that guy’ so I would just move on…next.
3. I make it into the building and get to the interview spot. I secretly check out the bathroom because if I’m spending my whole day - or any amount of time someplace, being able to get into the bathroom is pretty mandatory. Another craps shoot. This is usually the biggest hurdle. I learned this at my first job with a large corporation. Every physical aspect of the job passed the test but I had never thought to look at the bathroom. (Leave me alone, I had to learn as I went along). My first day at work I was like, ummm I have to pee 🤷🏻♀️. They wound up giving me “special privileges” to use the restroom reserved for upper management so it was okay in the end. But also, I had to go through half the building and corporate offices to get to it so it was kind of bogus.
4. Now I get the job. What if I have to sit at a desk? Can I fit under it? Can I get to the break room? Can I reach the supplies I need? Etc…
My first restaurant job was at a small Mediterranean place behind the counter - that was a few inches higher than my head. It was awkward when I had to be back there. One day a customer placed an order and was annoyed that I was just sitting there because I couldn’t hear her. She yelled at me for being rude and not “getting up of my ass”. IN HER DEFENSE - she was short and did not see I was in a wheelchair and definitely wanted to die when she finally saw I was and couldn’t apologize enough. It was a shitty and memorable experience for both of us that could’ve been avoided in a more accessible world.
Right now, the guys at the meat and fish counter at my supermarket know me because I have to GO BACK BEHIND THE COUNTER for them to know I’m even there. Short people - I FEEL YOU!
People are ALWAYS willing to help me. I understand and appreciate that - but I don’t want to NEED help on a daily basis. I don’t want to have to call someone when I arrive at work, make them stop what they're doing to unlock an elevator for me. I don’t want to have to make four separate people stop what they’re doing so I can pass through the tight quarters on the way to my office.
Wah, wah, wah… I know. Shut up. Stop whining.
I’m just trying to show you what it’s like. The world is not always set up for people like me. There might be laws in place, there might be many people around willing to jump up and assist at any moment, but it’s nice to find a place where that’s not a necessity and I can just go about my business - literally.
Having my own business not only allows me to be my own boss, but gives me the option to make everything accessible for ME. That’s something I can only give credit to my amazing husband for. He works very hard making my life physically easier (although mentally exhausting 😂😂😂😘)
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