Comments on: Living with a Disability and Keeping Your Job

By: Martha Finleton

Martha Finleton — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 19:11:16 +0000

I was surfing the site above and located a really fantastic website named FreedomDisability.com that can really help you if you are disabled. This website has really good information that can help people with disabilities who live in the US apply for Disability Insurance and win. This website offers a lot of resourceful tips and information where you can get free information on how to successfully apply for and win SSDI with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

By: Stacy

Stacy — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:47:10 +0000

I find it very important that everyone looks for a job that they truly love. I think so many people find jobs that are just that a job, something they have to do. I think that your five tips are very important for everyone, we all need to make choices in our lives that we can live with. I especially like your last one, no one likes to be around unhappy people, so why don’t you do something that makes you happy for a career that is where you spend a majority of your day!

By: Amanda

Amanda — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:52:03 +0000

As I read the five tips to help keep your job, I too thought that these tips are not only useful for job-seakers with disabilities, but anyone seeking employment. As I brainstormed additional tips that could be useful for students with disabilities I discovered that these tips would also benefit any person seeking employment. Below are a few more suggestions I felt were also important when seeking and keeping a job.

-Don’t become discouraged
-Collaborate with co-workers
-Share ideas and expertise
-Never stop learning
-Believe in yourself!

By: Barb M

Barb M — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:36:47 +0000

I found your advice and tips to be useful for all adults and students entering the workfield. I work in Sp Ed in Chicago Public Schools just now they’re starting to have eighth graders start thinking about life-after high school. I especially believe urban students need to explore their ideas about future careers to give them incentives, goals and most of all hope for a bright future. For example, my student with MMR loves animals and wants to be a vet but there are other possibilities for her to look at in related fields such as a groomer or vet tech. Children need to be taught that if there are many opportunities in sports or whatever they love to do. Plus this teaches students to be proactive in their life.
I also agree if you are passionate about something you will try harder to be successful.

By: Donna

Donna — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:53:09 +0000

I’ve enjoyed viewing your website, thanks for the great suggestions for students. Here are a few more ideas that might be helpful.

First find the job

Assess your abilities. What activities can you do without interference from your disability? Make a ist of job possibilities based on your unique abilities.
Plan and Organize Your Job Search. Take advantage of the free tools on line available to help you plan and manage your job search (job search engines).
Attend Job Fairs. You’ll have the opportunity to meet with employers that you might not be able to meet any other way.
Contact government agencies that serve people with disabilities. Often, a state employment office or vocational rehabilitation center can assist with job hunting and placement.
Don’t be discouraged. It takes a lot of work for anyone to find a job.

Then keep the job

Cross train: Be willing to learn other jobs.
Take courses to increase your knowledge base-,If needed,
Be flexible regarding your work schedule
Follow the rules – dress codes, use of personal cell phones, etc.
Show respect for your superiors whether you like them or not.

By: Jessica

Jessica — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:59:42 +0000

I believe that the five tips that you have posted are great for all students. I also think that your list should include be your own advocate. As I have learned while working a few jobs, I was able to move up in a job because I voiced my opinion and showed that I was the best qualified for the job. Being your own advocate will show your employer that you are educated in your field. Also, one thing to remember is that you need to be happy with your job choice; I know that teaching is one reason I wake up in the morning. If you show your passion within your work, your peers and employer will see it.

I do like what Carol has listed as her five tips. I think that all career bound people should look at both yours and Carol’s list. These are some things that many people take for granted and don’t think before they do (just getting a job to pay the bills).

By: Ray

Ray — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:09:09 +0000

I like these choices very much for my students as well. Having a passion for what one does is so much more important than the salary. Finding a fit is so crucial for all people- if it feels like work, you’re in the wrong field! It should be an extension of who you are- and that fit isn’t always what those around us expected it to be. Along with being an expert on the job, I’d add in being an expert in how you learn/work best. I know many people who understand their job well enough, but can’t seem to structure their work environment in the little ways to fit their needs. Whether that be having a small radio in your office, or seeking a position where you are interacting with lots of people. I’ve marveled this summer at the construction workers renovating my school- almost all wear an iPod to help keep their focus during mundane tasks!

By: Carol Joyce

Carol Joyce — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 16:21:14 +0000

Those five tips are wonderful. I definitely believe those five tips should be the guidelines for everybody in the job market.I have a daughter with a disability who is working various jobs to find her passion. She loves to help with cooking and is a very hard worker. I believe once you find the right job and have the passion to pursue it the rest will fall in place. My five tips for my students would be…..
1. Explore.. Look around at different careers. It’s a big world out there.
2. Be Yourself… You are the Best!
3. Accept Change…Nothing Stays the Same
4. Ask for Help… We don’t know everything.
5. Try Your Best…You can do it!

I have a big circle of friends who have children with disabilities and I will forward your website to them. Thank You

By: Carol Joyce

Carol Joyce — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:51:25 +0000

The top five things that I would teach my students would be……
1. Explore all options
2. Try different jobs
3. Accept Change
4. Work Hard
5. Give it your best and be yourself

By: Carol Joyce

Carol Joyce — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:35:21 +0000

Those five tips are wonderful. I definitely believe those five tips should be the guidelines for everybody in the job market. I have a daughter with a disability who is working various jobs this summer trying to find her passion. She loves cooking and preparing food in the kitchen. She is a hard worker and never gives up. I believe once you find the right job and have the passion to pursue it the rest will fall in place. I have many friends with children who have disabilities and I will forward your article to them. Thank You