Why do people work? The main reason is to produce an income that provides for daily needs. Work is part of life and whether paid or unpaid, the majority of us work. Because we generally spend many hours working, our job tends to define who we are. When strangers meet, the first question is normally, "What do you do for a living?" Our answer can reveal volumes of information. Are we happy in what we do? Are we proud of our career choice? Am I nursing because I have a compassionate heart? Do I sell insurance and hate every minute of it?
What about Work for the Disabled
![File000334442991[1]](http://itsourblog.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5512b13618833011571fa5abf970b-800wi "File000334442991[1]")
Because I'm aware of the disabled, I notice them when I'm out and about and have even spoken to some about their jobs and the way they feel about them. In some ways their jobs are even more important as their employment shouts a message. "I have value. I am capable. Someone believed in me enough to employ me." While I can't solve the problems of employment or lack of, I can share the stories of some people I have met over the years and hope they will give you fresh insight into the world of the Disabled.
Leanne's Story
Leanne is my sister. Born with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome, she has an IQ of around 60 and multiple physical disabilities. These include poor balance and knee problems that affect her ability to walk. Leanne was born with bent thumbs that needed to be surgically straightened. This left her with stiff thumbs with no joint in them. Hold your thumb straight and try and write, cut a steak or pick up beads and you will see how restrictive the lack of movement is. In spite of this, Leanne has worked at a sheltered workshop for years. Many cities have these types of facilities where firms contract out simple tasks like sorting, counting and packing. The pay is minimal but Leanne is surrounded by friends and has the joy of accomplishing something. Her jobs have included sorting electrical components, counting out screws to be bagged and counting chocolate bars to be packed into boxes. She loves her work and talks about it to anyone who will listen.
Opportunities for the Deaf
I recently had the chance to talk to a deaf man through a friend who is proficient in sign language. It was 
the first direct encounter I'd had with a deaf person and I found it deeply interesting. He said that as recently as 20 years ago, there was a belief that deaf people could only manage to work in trades. He was trained as a carpenter and employed by a local firm. Businesses were happy to hire deaf people as they were generally good workers and loyal to their company. He said he was fairly isolated as none of his work mates knew sign language and as a result, became depressed. In spite of this, one of them persisted in his attempts to communicate and be a friend and eventually got him to go along to church where he became a Christian. He has held onto his faith over the years and now works as a counselor to the deaf.
Thomas the Security Guard
I met Thomas years ago in South Africa. He was employed at a small shopping center where I owned a toy shop. I'm not sure what his job description was but he did a bit of everything –sweeping the sidewalks, carrying merchandise for store owners and acting as a security guard. He was simple and slow, built like a mountain and had a soft tender heart. He was passionate about his job and it was a joy to see his smiling face every morning.
The Girl at McDonalds
I travel frequently and have met this girl several times - she works in a McDonald's outlet about 80 minute's drive from where I live. It's easy to tell she was born with Down Syndrome by her facial features. We've had several conversations and she bubbles with enthusiasm. She's told me she lives with friends in a supervised home environment. She loves music and on one occasion, mentioned she was flying up to Auckland to see a concert. It's obvious she loves her job and takes her cleaning duties very seriously. It's an inspiration to talk with her and I've had a few laughs when her supervisor shoos her away from customers and back to work.
The Crutch Labeler
I haven't actually met the crutch labeler but he works with a friend of mine at a medical center. He describes him as having a strange manner of speech, good at his job and a great organizer. In spite of his mental limitations, he has arranged a trip to Australia for himself and some friends. A staff member says he has done this before - booking everything and then acting as an unofficial tour guide. Someone, somewhere made a decision to offer him a job, and with it, the chance to make a living so he can do things like this.
Giving Opportunities
In many ways, life is easier for disabled people now than a few decades ago. Much of this is due to better understanding and human right's organizations, but at the end of the day, it is individuals that offer employment to disabled people. Next time you see a disabled person doing a good job, thank them and mention them to their supervisor or business owner. It will mean a great deal to both of them.
Why do people work? The main reason is to produce an income that provides for daily needs. Work is part of life and whether paid or unpaid, the majority of us work. Because we generally spend many hours working, our job tends to define who we are. When strangers meet, the first question is normally, "What do you do for a living?" Our answer can reveal volumes of information. Are we happy in what we do? Are we proud of our career choice? Am I nursing because I have a compassionate heart? Do I sell insurance and hate every minute of it?
What about Work for the Disabled
Leanne's Story
Leanne is my sister. Born with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome, she has an IQ of around 60 and multiple physical disabilities. These include poor balance and knee problems that affect her ability to walk. Leanne was born with bent thumbs that needed to be surgically straightened. This left her with stiff thumbs with no joint in them. Hold your thumb straight and try and write, cut a steak or pick up beads and you will see how restrictive the lack of movement is. In spite of this, Leanne has worked at a sheltered workshop for years. Many cities have these types of facilities where firms contract out simple tasks like sorting, counting and packing. The pay is minimal but Leanne is surrounded by friends and has the joy of accomplishing something. Her jobs have included sorting electrical components, counting out screws to be bagged and counting chocolate bars to be packed into boxes. She loves her work and talks about it to anyone who will listen.
Opportunities for the Deaf
I recently had the chance to talk to a deaf man through a friend who is proficient in sign language. It was
the first direct encounter I'd had with a deaf person and I found it deeply interesting. He said that as recently as 20 years ago, there was a belief that deaf people could only manage to work in trades. He was trained as a carpenter and employed by a local firm. Businesses were happy to hire deaf people as they were generally good workers and loyal to their company. He said he was fairly isolated as none of his work mates knew sign language and as a result, became depressed. In spite of this, one of them persisted in his attempts to communicate and be a friend and eventually got him to go along to church where he became a Christian. He has held onto his faith over the years and now works as a counselor to the deaf.
Thomas the Security Guard
I met Thomas years ago in South Africa. He was employed at a small shopping center where I owned a toy shop. I'm not sure what his job description was but he did a bit of everything –sweeping the sidewalks, carrying merchandise for store owners and acting as a security guard. He was simple and slow, built like a mountain and had a soft tender heart. He was passionate about his job and it was a joy to see his smiling face every morning.
The Girl at McDonalds
I travel frequently and have met this girl several times - she works in a McDonald's outlet about 80 minute's drive from where I live. It's easy to tell she was born with Down Syndrome by her facial features. We've had several conversations and she bubbles with enthusiasm. She's told me she lives with friends in a supervised home environment. She loves music and on one occasion, mentioned she was flying up to Auckland to see a concert. It's obvious she loves her job and takes her cleaning duties very seriously. It's an inspiration to talk with her and I've had a few laughs when her supervisor shoos her away from customers and back to work.
The Crutch Labeler
I haven't actually met the crutch labeler but he works with a friend of mine at a medical center. He describes him as having a strange manner of speech, good at his job and a great organizer. In spite of his mental limitations, he has arranged a trip to Australia for himself and some friends. A staff member says he has done this before - booking everything and then acting as an unofficial tour guide. Someone, somewhere made a decision to offer him a job, and with it, the chance to make a living so he can do things like this.
Giving Opportunities
In many ways, life is easier for disabled people now than a few decades ago. Much of this is due to better understanding and human right's organizations, but at the end of the day, it is individuals that offer employment to disabled people. Next time you see a disabled person doing a good job, thank them and mention them to their supervisor or business owner. It will mean a great deal to both of them.