History has its eyes on me (reference intended)

[Jenisautistic]

Hello everyone Now that I am doing job training and learning how to work volunteer and be an intern
I hope that I will be able to pave the way for people like me,for people with more significant or risky disabilities like medical stuff to have a chance and to better find a place in this world

I want to try to make a positive impression of everyone that I meet I’m not saying it’s going to happen and bad days happen to the best of us but at the very least that’s what I would like to do

A bigger dream of mine would be to help make sure that people who are like me can get a chance maybe even for me to help and be a mentor I’m not completely sure what what I would like to do because, I’m still nervous about having responsibility and a job in the future hi, I’m excited to volunteer an intern, wherever I can as long as it’s good for me

The thing is, I have so many different impairments and diagnosis, such as intellectual disability, dyslexia, and gastroparesis and apparently I haveathetoid cerebral palsy it’s random on my insurance reports, and my old neurologist was the diagnostic person along with my grandmother said that another person was a specialist
But I will discuss that at a later date along with some other things that are on my mind on different posts

I’m sure once they read my life plan they will know most things and I’ll probably create some set a plan with the vocational rehabilitation
My question is for those who is requesting accommodations or trying to chat about your disability or discuss/present it to staff and/or supervisors
I don’t want to worry anyone or sound like I’m saying, “I have it all figured out”. or even then I’m too much of a risk not that I see that happening anytime soon
I guess my question is how to conduct a general conversation with staff, and/or supervisors/mentors and how do I determine what is the best way to discuss it for myself?

 

[Rodafina]

I guess my question is how to conduct a general conversation with staff, and/or supervisors/mentors and how do I determine what is the best way to discuss it for myself?

Good questions, Jen.

I'm thinking that it might be a good idea to have some ideas written down. I would get nervous in a situation like that and might forget any ideas that I have prepared. I would have to have a list or some notes with me to keep me on track, and I think that would be an okay thing to do.

I think it might be helpful to focus on solutions that you think would help instead of just talking about things that may be difficult for you. If you go into the conversation with some ideas of what accommodations could be helpful to you, it could be helpful to your supervisors/employers to understand better.

I wonder if this would be helpful: Instead of saying something like, "I can't really multitask because I feel confused and stressed out by it," you could say something like, "It would be helpful for me to be able to focus on one task at a time because I am much more efficient that way."

Acknowledging difficulties is important, but focusing on strengths is helpful too. Not to disregard areas of challenge, but to follow our strengths and capitalize on them so that we are a good fit for the tasks we are assigned on the job.

 

[Neonatal RRT]

My question is for those who is requesting accommodations or trying to chat about your disability or discuss/present it to staff and/or supervisors
I don’t want to worry anyone or sound like I’m saying, “I have it all figured out”. or even then I’m too much of a risk not that I see that happening anytime soon
I guess my question is how to conduct a general conversation with staff, and/or supervisors/mentors and how do I determine what is the best way to discuss it for myself?

If you are working for an organization that has a Human Resources Department, then any work accommodations will go through them, and NOT your supervisors and managers. They are legally bound to the American's with Disabilities Act The Americans with Disabilities Act

If you are working with a smaller, privately-owned business that has perhaps an owner and manager, then, again, they are bound legally to the ADA, however, you are at a higher risk for more subtle forms of discrimination and marginalization. There are good people to work for, of course, and they may be very open and accommodating, but this is not a universal experience.

Obviously, if you are working closely with people, socialization and communication become very important. Given that less than 2% people are autistic, and that most people don't understand autism, or even how it presents in an adult, it can put your autistic behaviors at risk for misinterpretation and false accusation. I am lucky enough to work within the healthcare environment with relatively intelligent, accepting people. In my case, I have found it helpful to be "openly autistic" with my closest co-workers and students. When I meet new students or employees, if I have some private time with them, I might bring up the fact that I do have an autism condition (knowing that they may not understand it) and then help them understand what that may mean with regards to how to communicate, how I may appear on the outside vs the inside, and basically the types of things that will allow us to work well together and not create misinterpretations or character misrepresentations. Some things I can improve upon and learn, and other things, not so much. I might describe it as the difference between "software" and "hardware". If you don't have the hardware, the software won't run. If you have the hardware, then we can load the software. At any rate, there is some utility in getting out in front of any social and communication situations by presenting them with a new perspective and context.

Just a reminder, though: If you are new, do not present to others as someone who is "weak", timid, or withdrawn. Be open, friendly, accommodating, head up, shoulders back, eye contact, etc. Be someone that people want to be around. You can have some humility and have some humor about yourself. If you are self-deprecating, do it with humor and a smile, as this shows strength and takes the power away from any potential bullies.

 

[Nitro]

One of our hires was a very disabled man who got caught up in the last of the polio battle.

Rick worked his entire life as a truck mechanic in spite of being unable to walk without leg braces and crutches.
He was not a quitter by any means.

We brought him into the fold in our manufacturing facility as a general laborer who never complained about his tasks and actually set his own bar low as far as pay was concerned to preserve his disability payments while still maintaining his own self-worth and to continue to work instead of just sitting around.
We made proper accommodations for him while he was still there, but not as something that was mandated, but by recognizing what value he brought to our operation.

I wish more would take that same stance.

Anything anyone does to support those who are considered lesser by most is a blessing.

 

[Aspychata]

Congratulations on this part of your life. Training for the intern sounds challenging yet fun too. You are asking great questions about this endeavor. Sometimes, if you can, stand up, walk around a bit, if you feel stressed. And remember this is all new. And you are learning how to navigate one day at a time.