OK, so it's been ages since I posted to this blog. Last post was July 2, 2011. Since then, well, I've been both busy, and bedridden. Our family moved halfway across the country last July (back to the town I grew up in), and then, between some odd jobs, I was laid up with debilitating back pain for 2 months. But I am mobile again, and looking forward to starting a new job this Monday (January 16). I will be working as a job coach for Focus on Employment, an organization that does job training and placement for persons with disabilities. I'm looking forward to it.
For one thing, having a child with special needs myself, I have an affinity for the needs of those struggling with their own disabilities and the challenges of fitting into a community. I strongly believe that helping persons with disabilities find job opportunities within the community will not only benefit the person, but the community as a whole. This is a tangible way we, as a community, can say, "We are here for you; we support you." Persons with disabilities too often get left behind. They always have, and always will, need others to advocate for them. My new job will give me the opportunity to serve in that role.
The community I live in, and now work in, is not big. It's a small town. Focus on Employment is not a big organization here. Basically it is just me and my boss. And the pay isn't great. But I want to do this job because I care about it. Because I care about the people we serve. I want to make a difference in the community, and in the lives that cross my path, personally and professionally. It will be challenge to convince some potential employers why they should hire a person with an intellectual disability and pay them a full (albeit minimum) wage, when they can hire a non-disabled person for the same wage. But I am hoping I can help them see the benefits. I'm hoping I can be passionate about advocating for those with disabilities. Am I up to the task? I hope so, and believe so!!
