Totally Capable Of Working
An article I read recently details how a child remembers her father encouraging hard work, and he led by example. It mattered not that this man’s little girl had a disability. He wanted her to understand that by pushing through, a person will find purpose in what they are doing and ultimately even find purpose in themselves. Because of this mindset, she grew up with a willingness to try, even though her wheelchair proved to be a stumbling block along the way.
She waitressed in her wheelchair and moved up to being a woman in an executive position in corporate America; even to a place of owning her own business! Her never give up attitude moved her forward on her journey, despite the obstacles.
Challenges in the workforce apply to everyone, albeit on different levels. There might be the person who needs to address large groups of people, but be terrified of speaking, so becomes filled with self-doubt. Another person may be hard of hearing—-although not entirely deaf, but cringes when people cast those momentary doubts of capability when asked to repeat what they said. Still others, are forced to work within the confines of their wheelchair, or other medical accessory that enables them to manipulate the landscape!
All of these challenges can either break a person or give them motivation to work harder just to prove they can do what they say they can. They want to demonstrate a physical disability does not make them any less equipped to handle any number of responsibilities!
In fact what may be a better perspective, is looking for what makes this person’s capabilities a unique blend of something spectacularly different, but completely efficient in the way they operate. All paths need not follow the same footsteps!
Labor day is upon us and it’s a celebration of the working person! While it seems to be all inclusive of everyone who works, in some cases it isn’t a celebration. Instead it’s a reminder to those who cannot work because of barriers not yet provided for, for those who have a disability. There are times employers will give lip service to their accommodations, but fall short of what is needed.
Other times, it’s more related to the person who fears reprisal should they admit to having a disability. When this happens, optimal work ability may be hindered, but feeling ‘cornered’, they do the best they can until a complaint comes their way, raising their frustration with the workplace.
Improvements do continue however, and a day will come (hopefully sooner, rather than later), that all people, regardless of ability, will celebrate with pride, the efforts and accomplishments provided in the workplace. Disability advocates and the disabled community continue to move forward for more accessibility, respectability, and inclusion. Strategies are being put in place which enable those who would like to work, the opportunity. It’s encouraging to believe there is hope!
Lessons continue to be learned by both the employer and employee. Circumstance, insightful commentary, and dialogue is exchanged, with the desire that this annual celebration called Labor Day, will touch the lives of everyone, with deep satisfaction and fulfilled dreams.