Trying to find employment as someone with special needs
we need to remove the assumption that unemployed people are lazy. Some of us need more support and that should be something that`s accepted by organisations trying to find employers. Instead i remember countless of times others giving me feedback about my work speed and saying that it needs to be way faster. This is something that is impossible to change due to some developmental delays and learning disabilities i have had since being born.
the truth is that i have felt ashamed by my own assistance needs in a work environment.It is difficult when you are trying to do your best but others are focusing too much on how different you are instead of seeing your strengths. Unemployed people are not lazy but most companies are not willing to give us the opportunity to show what we can do because of some minor things we cant change.
For example i need clear instructions in order to be able to understand how something works. Some people might find it annoying that i am asking same things multiple times, that is just how my brain works there needs to be repeated action before i learn something. This does not mean that i am less valuable employee than someone else ,my brain is just wired differently. I cant even imagine how difficult finding employment would be if you have visible disabilities.
I don`t want to lie in the job interview by only showing my good side, instead we should be able to be honest about our disabilities with out it coming in the way of being chosen. unemployment rates among people with special needs are so high that it is unbelievable. This is not to say that finding a job is easy for everyone else but it is even harder for us.
volunteering is a good option but the problem is that you cant pay your bills by volunteering. We need more companies that are willing to employ neurodiverse individuals. Everyone deserves a fulfilling life and the feeling of being valued and important. I love helping people and being part of our local community but that is not the same thing as finding an employment.
we need to keep telling our stories and hopefully someday make a change towards more accepting work environments. Everyone has a purpose and your disabilities should not be the thing that stops you from following your dreams. ❤
