Slashdot Mirror
Ask Slashdot: Dealing With Disabilities In the Workplace?
mpol writes "The job market can be hard right now, depending on your background and location. Having a disability makes things even more interesting. Seven years ago I suffered from a psychosis, and I was diagnosed with schizophrenia. I have been recovering quite well, and last year I started searching for a paying job. I found one, but it didn't turn out to be the right place, so I'm back at my volunteer job as web developer. My current workplace is quite unique, as there are several people who have had a psychosis in the past, or have been diagnosed with autism. When I look at myself I know that I have some things that will always play a role: I'm very sensitive to the atmosphere in the workplace for example. I also need clear communication, more so than other people. Furthermore, a workweek of maybe 20-25 hours is the max for me. I tried self-employment, but motivation and discipline are a bit hard to come by, and it's not something that will work for me long-term. In theory it's perfect, in practice not so much. I'm not sure what my short-term future will look like, and for this year I'm quite happy where I am, but next year I might go searching for a salaried job again. I'm wondering if there are more people on Slashdot who have a job in ICT, or are seeking one, and also have disabilities. How did you land at your job, and what issues do you run into in daily practice?"
Motivation to work is indeed hard to come by if you are receiving disability checks.
If you have a disability, you're at a disadvantage to the thousands of other job seekers out there. You have to make up for it in other areas, but if you lack motivation, then forget it. Without ambition and motivation, you're just another slug feeding off others.
-- By all means let's be open-minded, but not so open-minded that our brains drop out.
So you're one of those assholes that camps in a cafe. Unless you buy something every 10 minutes I don't think they want you there and I don't either. There's always an "open table" until someone sits down. Then no open tables for people that want to come in and have a quick drink / bite but all the two and four person tables are occupied with couples (an inconsiderate ass and their laptop). Here's a request. When the last open table is taken, if you're finished with your purchase then get up and leave. Their business is not to support your business. I work from home and wouldn't even consider that an option. And I feel the same way about students studying and people kicking back with a book after their cup of coffee intitles them to a 2 hour table. If I knew where you squat I'd bring in my high functioning autistic daughter to your "workplace" and help her with her homework (hint - we have to close the windows so we don't bother our neighbors or get child services called by a concerned passerby). But I'd buy a muffin top so it's ok.