Job searching in a chair

Disability can be quite scary. Those who become disabled must relearn basic functions like eating, bathing and sleeping. When the time comes, we must even go and find a job.

Before job searching with a disability, you must know a few things. For starters, one must weigh their ability way before looking. 

“What can I do?” 

It sounds harsh, but reality is a heartless judge. Even I, who once was in the army, must face the fact I can never go back. Facing reality is the hardest step.

Sometimes companies make it easier for those who have less ability. Government jobs have a document called Schedule A for this. Almost all jobs are competitive to get a spot. Schedule A allows a disabled individual to surpass this step. Sometimes, employers can pick from a list of qualified Schedule A recipients.

Employers can sometimes think poorly of interviewees that are disabled. Some think we can’t work as fast or think as “normal” people. This is a huge misunderstanding.  Depending on their ability, some work even harder than able-bodied people. Some are geniuses like Stephen Hawking. 

Treating someone disabled in the workforce kindly might open a completely new view of life. Do not be afraid of us. Ask us anything. I swear we do not bite.

On another topic, Bryan Cranston, most notably known for “Breaking Bad”, took on the role of a rich disabled man in recent film “The Upside.”  This role came under some controversy. Some disabled actors tried for the part and were rejected. Cranston defended the selection as a business decision. An actor is paid to be someone they are not. Even though he understands where the disabled individual comes from, it can be considered discrimination on Cranston’s end.

Beau Bruneau | voices.spectator@gmail.com

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