[Blindtlk] Some Job Questions...

[Ericka Short]

First, I’m proud of you for not falling into the "woe is me" frustration 
forever.  Finding motivation to get that far is hard enough if you don't 
have lots of encouragement. I don't think there has been a disabled person 
in the world that didn't have pangs of that now and then.  Even the sighted 
do!  My husband, aunt, cousin, some sighted college friends, and a sibling 
of mine have all gone though that panic too.

I'm certain you could hold down a job at Panera or anywhere.  Besides 
getting in touch with a VR counselor who can set you up with an internship 
or work experience to gain confidence and build your resume, consider taking 
the Job Acquisition class at Hadley.  They kind of walk you through the 
process of finding your passion, using VR services if you think they are 
needed, and other resources to answer these very questions.  I had the 
teacher for two other classes and he is wonderful.  I wouldn't advise going 
out to find anything just because it's a job.  Take some time to reflect on 
these questions and write  you answers down.  I hope they help you 
understand yourself better and begin to find your focus .  What things have 
you done that made you happy?  What tasks do you hate?  What skills or 
special talents do you possess?  What do you never want to do?  What would 
you like to learn? What kind of volunteer experiences were good memories? 
Why? What do you want people to remember you by some day?  Don't put 
blindness on trial here on the list.  You work that in when you discover 
what excites you.  These days I'm sure there will be blind car salesmen 
before too long.  NOT ME! Just some things to think about.  Amy Salmon at 
the Hadley School for the Blind can answer any business related  questions. 
Grind the who  story and class options (FREE!) at www.hadley.edu.  Her email 
is:  amy at hadley.edu.


We all support you, but remember--you have rights out there so don't let 
them push you around and second, there are more sighted people in the same 
miserable unemployed spot as we are so don't be so hard on yourself.  We are 
all here to help so dive into the new chapter of your life and have fun!

Ericka J. Short
262-697-0510

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Philippians 4:13

"No hand is too small or too big to do good in this world." EJ. Short