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?"

Comments

I work from home...

[Kenja]

So your story of a workplace with "several people who have had a psychosis in the past" while yourself being a schizophrenic made me laugh when I imagined you working alone at home as I do while being surrounded by other "people" with mental problems.

Sorry... I'm a bad person it seems.

Re:I think the OP mentioned self-employment

[hawguy]

Anonymous Coward wrote:

You're already a webdev...be your own boss and don't mess with anyone else.

I think the OP mentioned that:

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.

That's going to be a problem when he seeks a salaried job -- few employers want an unmotivated, undisciplined employee. If I wanted to hover over the employee and make sure he's doing the work he's supposed to be doing, I'd hire my son.

Re:I think the OP mentioned self-employment

[HornWumpus]

Bring your child into the workplace (autistic or not) and I will give him/her a whoopy cushion, plastic barf or both.

The workplace is no place for snot monkeys. That said they aren't to blame. Whoopy cushions punish the parents.

Re:I think the OP mentioned self-employment

[HornWumpus]

I find that wearing shoes is critical to feeling like I'm 'at work', pants not so much.