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You’d think – after more than 30 years on this planet and having had a ton of really really stupid things said to me – that I would learn not to stick my foot in my mouth. Not so much.
Last week, I posted on Twitter about a topic that is close to home – employment. I had recently seen a blindness organization posting work-from-home opportunities, as well as openings in their industrial shop. I asked why this is, that it feels like we’re being “hidden away” just to be employed. Others pointed out to me about transportation logistics and the desire of some to work from home. It was never my intent to disparage such things, but it could have come across that way… Because twitter’s strength and its weakness is its brevity, I figured I could explain myself and my viewpoint here on this blog… but I want your opinions, too!
Employment is Essential
I’ve written about this several times on this blog, whether it’s describing my own personal employment journey or the perception of blind people (and those with other disabilities) as inspirational or incapable. Many of us have education, transferable skills, and a strong desire to work, yet get turned down for job after job after job. It is demoralizing and demeaning – not to mention discriminatory – to hear that even though you are more than qualified for a job they have chosen another applicant (usually dancing around the word “disability”). This is where grit and determination come in, sometimes (though not always) aided by organizations that either assist in the job search for applicants with disabilities or provide work opportunities themselves. For those whose disability makes it possible, employment brings a sense of accomplishment, contribution and dignity. So why can’t I just be happy that people with disabilities are being employed… by someone?
The Home Office
The modern workplace is ever-changing. Some companies allow employees to telecommute (work from home) on either a permanent or situational basis, providing employee flexibility, lower office overhead, or the ability of employees to care for loved ones. So it comes as no surprise that some disability organizations subcontract workers for these jobs. It’s a perfect solution for those who prefer to work from home, or who have transportation or logistical challenges to come in to an office every day, or whose disability makes telecommuting the difference between being employed or relying on government assistance. And with the disability organization providing or advising on accessible technology for a disabled client/employee, it’s a win-win… right?
Separate Work Spaces
Some organizations provide workplaces (sometimes called sheltered workshops) where people with disabilities can be employed (primarily alongside other workers with disabilities), learn new skills, and be promoted (something that may be more of a challenge in the public sector). It can provide a sense of accomplishment, comraderie, and usable employment skills, not to mention – in theory – the ability to earn an income. But some workplaces (Goodwill comes to mind) have paid their disabled workforce sub-minimum wages. This is not the case in all facilities, but it happens enough to be a real concern. This begs the question: is separate really and truly equal?
One Size Does NOT Fit All
It was rightly pointed out to me that it appeared my initial concerns about being “hidden away” by working at home or in blindness organizations came across as unyielding. It was never my intent. If someone wishes or needs to work from home and/or in a disability-centered organization, it should be their choice to do so. But it is by no means the only way for people with disabilities to obtain meaningful employment. Many disability organizations – particularly those who assist in the job search process – have clients who are happy working, no matter the pay, the job duties, or the employer; others have very specific goals, educational background, and salary expectations. Even if it’s not easy, organizations that assist people with disabilities on the job hunt need to be very aware that both types of people exist, and many fall somewhere in between. It is essential that all who wish to use these services feel welcome, like they are being heard, and not like they’re being shoved into a little box that over- or under-estimates their qualifications, setting them up for failure.
Conclusion
I’ve heard horror stories about highly-educated people with disabilities being referred to a job as a Walmart greeter. I’ve experienced first-hand the frustration of asking for advocacy assistance from disability organizations, only to be told to just take whatever job came along because they didn’t know what to do with me. I am not thumbing my nose up at anyone who works from home or in a sheltered workshop if it is their choice to do so and they are happy, healthy, and believe their work has value even in small ways. But it is not what I want for myself, simply because I like to separate my work from my home life, and I – and anyone with a disability – should be given the opportunity to be “out there” in public if that’s our choice.
So if you work from home and like it? I’m thrilled for you! If you work with other people with disabilities and love what you do? Rock on! If you work in the public sector and have found acceptance there? Keep it up!
For those of you who work in the disability field – teachers, employment counselors, advocates, social workers, even family members – really listen to the disabled children or adults with and for whom you’re affiliated. They may have hopes and dreams and fears that you haven’t considered, and they need you to listen to them and act accordingly. We live in our bodies, we know our minds; we know our capabilities. We likely know the employment situation that is best for us, and should have the freedom to reach for the stars – whatever constellation strikes our fancy.
Life Unscripted 
Well written! I had to search for a little over 4 years until I finally had employment I did have one or two placements but they were short term. A sheltered workshop in my opinion isn’t really an appropriate workplace for somebody who just has a vision impairment one reason in particular is that the work isn’t always constant. Sometimes one has to wait weeks until more work comes in My folks often asked me if I’d ever consider working from home and I said no each time because I’d rather be in the workplace around other people instead of just doing my job from home as too many distractions and it’s lonely just doing a job at home by yourself. I did have an experience where I had to call the disability advocates but because I and the advocate weren’t getting anywhere with a resolution regarding being knocked back from a perspective job I was advised to just let things slide because it was pointless to chase an employer for a letter of explanation if one wasn’t going to be forthcoming.
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Well written. My experience with disability organizations and job-seeking is that they typically don’t take certain career goals seriously, or at least they don’t help find jobs in certain fields. When I informed my rehab counsellor I wanted to work with dogs, I was pretty much told good luck.
Back when I thought I wanted to be a lawyer, I was on the right path. But wanting to work with dogs was like saying I wanted to be a truck driver.
These organizations def build their programs with limited expectations, and target individuals with, or try to urge individuals toward, those same expectations. If you want above and beyond, well your just being unrealistic and you need to scale it back. Fortunately, I didn’t, and now, I work a job that I love. I’m parttime, but I love the position and its duties nonetheless.
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I wonder if it’s the unwillingness of organisations to handle Trail Blazers. Obviously, over the years, blind people have become lawyers and judges and teachers and a whole bunch of other things. There’s not too many of us who work with dogs, besides our guide dogs. Which, if you think about it, is kind of silly. If we’re responsible enough to handle a guide dog with competence and confidence, why shouldn’t we be able to work with other dogs?
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So far, I think I’ve gotten more help through the Small Business Center at my local community college than from Voc. Rehab.
So far on my own, I have researched various fields, found and joined various groups to advance and support my goal of becoming a freelance writer, found classes (VR paid for one, but I found it) and found the two writing gigs I’ve held. So far VR has sent me for life skills training (talk about low expectations!) and paid for the single class I took.
When I told my VR counsellor that I’d made a little money but didn’t feel it was enough, her reply was, “As long as you’re bringing in any money, I’m satisfied.” Seriously? Because I’m not!
I really don’t think most organizations that work with the visually impaired know what to do with independent self-starters. I sometimes feel certain individuals want to take me back to ground zero, take me by the hand, and lead me over ground I’ve already covered, or don’t trust that I’ve covered something until I’ve been led through it. Is this a common thing in the blind/VI community?
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