TAMARA Nowakowsky was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at the age of six. Undeterred, she embarked on a career ranging from television reporter to communications specialist to the successful businesswoman she is today.
Nearly 18% of working-age people around the world are disabled. It ranges between severe physical or mental impairment like asthma, bipolar disorders, paralysis or loss of body organs. These could seriously limit functional capacities such as mobility, communication, interpersonal skills or work abilities.
Such differently- abled people have a substantial disadvantage as compared to un-handicapped people and face considerable difficulty in landing and keeping a decent job. However, a disability should not sound the death knell for a person's career.
Work plays a vital role in maintaining physical and mental health, alleviates depression and brings a sense of meaning to life. Dana Simpkins of Ohio, suffering from spinal muscular atrophy says, `Those who are considering work should simply go for it. Don't be afraid to try or fail. The feeling I got cashing that first pay check was sweeter having overcome greater challenges than most.'
If you find yourself in such an unfortunate situation, these tips can help you in becoming and remaining gainfully employed.
Exorcise the phantoms
You have to battle with yourself, your work and the society too. You may be burdened with anxiety, fear and depression in addition to your disability. It is quite difficult to stay positive in such circumstances, but you have to try to lift yourself from the depths of gloom. Face your demons and get a grip on the situation. Focus on what you <110>can<111> do and not on what you <110>cannot<111>. Do not lose heart; you will be surprised at the options available. As tennis player,Martina Navratilova onceremarked, `Disability is a matter of perception. If you can do just one thing well, you are needed.'
Work in consonance with disability
Refocus your priorities to adapt to the specific challenges in your life.
Try to look for a job that will be rewarding, has autonomy and flexibility and, if possible, has private disability insurance policy. Choose the right kind of work where you can be productive. A desk job will be more suitable for a person with arthritis than one that has him on the run. Similarly, tight schedule jobs will be incompatible if you are likely to miss work often. You can also choose to work from home, telecommute or take advantage of the flexi time option.
Update the employer
An open and honest relationship with the boss is mandatory. Some people do not share complete information because of the fear of losing the opportunity. However, maintaining a façade will backfire because it diminishes the severity of the problem in the eyes of the employer. Also, find out if you are eligible for receiving any benefits the company may offer. If you feel you are being discriminated against - speak out! Educate yourself on your rights, and do not be afraid to educate others.
Help is just a call away
If you are having a problem at work, ask for help. You can ask for specific adaptations like altering chair or desk height, changing the location of supplies, a later start-time or change in the lunch schedule to make working easier and more efficient. Try to gain support and understanding from your colleagues. Joining forums and groups for the disabled can also help in garnering support and working around your problems.
Not bite off more than can chew
Maintain your drive to be successful, but keep your limitations in mind. Take time off to relax when you need it. Do not gamble on your health by unduly taxing yourself to prove your worth. You can accomplish more if you are healthy than if you push yourself too hard and end up needing time off to recover.
No free lunches
The boss may grant certain latitude in completing tasks and meeting deadlines, but you cannot piggyback on your disability. The employer will not lower standards of performance or keep you employed if you are unable to perform the duties for which you have been hired. You have to maintain a certain level of productivity and not encroach on the work environment.
Working with a disability is no walk in the park. The going will be tough. Take inspiration from people like mathematician John Nash who went on to win the Nobel Prize years after being diagnosed with schizophrenia!
Nearly 18% of working-age people around the world are disabled. It ranges between severe physical or mental impairment like asthma, bipolar disorders, paralysis or loss of body organs. These could seriously limit functional capacities such as mobility, communication, interpersonal skills or work abilities.
Such differently- abled people have a substantial disadvantage as compared to un-handicapped people and face considerable difficulty in landing and keeping a decent job. However, a disability should not sound the death knell for a person's career.
Work plays a vital role in maintaining physical and mental health, alleviates depression and brings a sense of meaning to life. Dana Simpkins of Ohio, suffering from spinal muscular atrophy says, `Those who are considering work should simply go for it. Don't be afraid to try or fail. The feeling I got cashing that first pay check was sweeter having overcome greater challenges than most.'
If you find yourself in such an unfortunate situation, these tips can help you in becoming and remaining gainfully employed.
Exorcise the phantoms
You have to battle with yourself, your work and the society too. You may be burdened with anxiety, fear and depression in addition to your disability. It is quite difficult to stay positive in such circumstances, but you have to try to lift yourself from the depths of gloom. Face your demons and get a grip on the situation. Focus on what you <110>can<111> do and not on what you <110>cannot<111>. Do not lose heart; you will be surprised at the options available. As tennis player,Martina Navratilova onceremarked, `Disability is a matter of perception. If you can do just one thing well, you are needed.'
Work in consonance with disability
Refocus your priorities to adapt to the specific challenges in your life.
Try to look for a job that will be rewarding, has autonomy and flexibility and, if possible, has private disability insurance policy. Choose the right kind of work where you can be productive. A desk job will be more suitable for a person with arthritis than one that has him on the run. Similarly, tight schedule jobs will be incompatible if you are likely to miss work often. You can also choose to work from home, telecommute or take advantage of the flexi time option.
Update the employer
An open and honest relationship with the boss is mandatory. Some people do not share complete information because of the fear of losing the opportunity. However, maintaining a façade will backfire because it diminishes the severity of the problem in the eyes of the employer. Also, find out if you are eligible for receiving any benefits the company may offer. If you feel you are being discriminated against - speak out! Educate yourself on your rights, and do not be afraid to educate others.
Help is just a call away
If you are having a problem at work, ask for help. You can ask for specific adaptations like altering chair or desk height, changing the location of supplies, a later start-time or change in the lunch schedule to make working easier and more efficient. Try to gain support and understanding from your colleagues. Joining forums and groups for the disabled can also help in garnering support and working around your problems.
Not bite off more than can chew
Maintain your drive to be successful, but keep your limitations in mind. Take time off to relax when you need it. Do not gamble on your health by unduly taxing yourself to prove your worth. You can accomplish more if you are healthy than if you push yourself too hard and end up needing time off to recover.
No free lunches
The boss may grant certain latitude in completing tasks and meeting deadlines, but you cannot piggyback on your disability. The employer will not lower standards of performance or keep you employed if you are unable to perform the duties for which you have been hired. You have to maintain a certain level of productivity and not encroach on the work environment.
Working with a disability is no walk in the park. The going will be tough. Take inspiration from people like mathematician John Nash who went on to win the Nobel Prize years after being diagnosed with schizophrenia!
PAYAL AGARWAL
No comments:
Post a Comment