| E-mail: stephtor@aol.com
I am a 24-year-old woman with athetoid cerebral palsy. My CP
particularly affects my fine motor skills and my speech (it is
mostly intelligible when I’m not nervous or rushing!). I am able
to walk independently with an unsteady gait.
Upon graduating from high school cum laude, I became a client of
the vocational rehabilitation system. I had very realistic
expectations, because a counselor informed me of the limits they had
in helping me become productive. Since my goal was to focus on my
computer skills, I attended a year-long computer training program
for adults with disabilities. I had hoped to become employed by one
of the company sponsors, however, the program fizzled out and I did
not gain permanent employment. With the pleading of a lab assistant,
the vocational rehabilitation office bought me a computer for the
purpose of working at home.
That was almost four years ago. Through family and friends, I
have done small, temporary projects for a few organizations. I am
now convinced I am working with an agency that doesn’t want me to
achieve employment. I cannot count the number of times they have
used my disability as an excuse. Last spring, I learned that my case
had been closed illegally. I took action and had it reopened. One of
many counselors over the years labeled me as "self
employed" because I feel that working at home is right for me
at this time. This label, as opposed to telecommuting, is an excuse.
I began making phone calls and researching agencies and
opportunities on the Internet in order to block this rejection. I
have been told by my counselor that I am dealing with the wrong
agency, even though others require VR approval and funding.
I contacted an advocacy organization that is designed to
represent state VR clients. Now, I have an advocate who is helping
tremendously. The excuses have not stopped, though. At our first
meeting, the VR manager informed me that I should not attempt to
work because I will lose my Social Security benefits. We told her
that it wasn’t true. Then, she said that a telecommuting job is
very difficult to find (so why bother?).
My advocate felt I needed to have a assistive technology
evaluation to increase my typing skills. Again, an excuse was made.
Due to my inability to use dictation software, they didn’t want to
explore other devices. After my advocate set up an appointment with
the technologist (who works for the VR agency and has CP too), the
manager attempted to cancel it. Among the reasons given, she stated
that I really did not want to work! The evaluation finally happened
after a stressful appeal.
As we continue to fight for the support services I need, I am
learning to become a better advocate for myself.
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