Hi guys,
I realize few of you are likely to be on a panel of medical experts, but many of you here know me or some of my story, at any rate, and I hope you can help me find some ways to help myself. I'd appreciate any advice, or just simple support from the great community here.
I don't like to share too many details of my "sob story" but as a young fellow born with cerebral palsy, the job market has been tough for me.
Whilst still in high school I worked as both an on-air radio jock and a librarian's assistant, as well as a printer's aide (although the latter was for my father's small business).
After high school I went to community college to get the A.A. (a smart move it turned out, as my HS grades allowed me to get grants and scholarships, and later when I transferred to a 4 year institution for a B.A., I had to take out loans. But at least they weren't as big as they could have been.) After roughly two years I obtained the A.A. and went on to a 4 year to major in Secondary Education and Russian Studies, and as a guy homeschooled K-12, learning about the ins and outs of secondary ed at the public level was interesting. Graduated about a year and a half ago but aside from the odd substitute job and some other odd jobs, finding steady work has been a struggle.
I say all of this only to let readers know I'm not the sort who feels he is somehow entitled to anything by virtue of being born differently, but someone who was, for whatever reason, dealt a semi-poor hand and is trying to make the best of it any way I can. Many others are far worse off than I'll ever be, physically, emotionally, or financially, that I know.
Demographics certainly play a role but I live in an area with a large number of available jobs, although most happen to be industrial/labor intensive, and companies like that can't really afford to hire me. They aren't being discriminatory, they (and I) just realize I'd be ill-suited to that job, as I walk slowly, have rather poor balance and use a cane. There are some office jobs available for which I apply and reapply and remain hopeful. Nothing grand, certainly, and well below what my degree should offer, but those are the breaks. It seems like there is, for now, a shortage of teaching positions in my general area (and many other states as well according to former classmates, though of that I am unsure.) Anyway, nothing on the teaching front lately.
I'm also teaching myself various programming languages and hoping to go to a testing center soon to get certification for them, to open up avenues in IT. So, in short, doing whatever I can (although there is more I am probably missing).
Ironically, I could do a lot more per-surgery, but after a major operation 11 years back I was left in much worse condition than the level of CP I was born with. Not that the CP worsened, but the resultant mistakes during surgery worsened the effects overall.
So, to get to the question part, if anyone knows of any opportunities for physically disabled persons to help than get by, particularly any jobs that I could do online from home, I'd be eternally grateful.
I know, if it were that easy everyone would do it, but I'm attempting to explore every avenue and as we are a friendly and knowledgeable community, I figure, why not ask, you don't know if you don't ask. I was recently in dire straits trying to make student loan payments with very little money coming in (much more going out) but was granted forbearance for now... it was pretty darn scary for awhile.
Anyway I hate to be so "open" about myself, but I promised myself I'd ask around and look anywhere I could, or I'd feel I wasn't doing enough. Thanks for your time and support everyone.
I realize few of you are likely to be on a panel of medical experts, but many of you here know me or some of my story, at any rate, and I hope you can help me find some ways to help myself. I'd appreciate any advice, or just simple support from the great community here.
I don't like to share too many details of my "sob story" but as a young fellow born with cerebral palsy, the job market has been tough for me.
Whilst still in high school I worked as both an on-air radio jock and a librarian's assistant, as well as a printer's aide (although the latter was for my father's small business).
After high school I went to community college to get the A.A. (a smart move it turned out, as my HS grades allowed me to get grants and scholarships, and later when I transferred to a 4 year institution for a B.A., I had to take out loans. But at least they weren't as big as they could have been.) After roughly two years I obtained the A.A. and went on to a 4 year to major in Secondary Education and Russian Studies, and as a guy homeschooled K-12, learning about the ins and outs of secondary ed at the public level was interesting. Graduated about a year and a half ago but aside from the odd substitute job and some other odd jobs, finding steady work has been a struggle.
I say all of this only to let readers know I'm not the sort who feels he is somehow entitled to anything by virtue of being born differently, but someone who was, for whatever reason, dealt a semi-poor hand and is trying to make the best of it any way I can. Many others are far worse off than I'll ever be, physically, emotionally, or financially, that I know.
Demographics certainly play a role but I live in an area with a large number of available jobs, although most happen to be industrial/labor intensive, and companies like that can't really afford to hire me. They aren't being discriminatory, they (and I) just realize I'd be ill-suited to that job, as I walk slowly, have rather poor balance and use a cane. There are some office jobs available for which I apply and reapply and remain hopeful. Nothing grand, certainly, and well below what my degree should offer, but those are the breaks. It seems like there is, for now, a shortage of teaching positions in my general area (and many other states as well according to former classmates, though of that I am unsure.) Anyway, nothing on the teaching front lately.
I'm also teaching myself various programming languages and hoping to go to a testing center soon to get certification for them, to open up avenues in IT. So, in short, doing whatever I can (although there is more I am probably missing).
Ironically, I could do a lot more per-surgery, but after a major operation 11 years back I was left in much worse condition than the level of CP I was born with. Not that the CP worsened, but the resultant mistakes during surgery worsened the effects overall.
So, to get to the question part, if anyone knows of any opportunities for physically disabled persons to help than get by, particularly any jobs that I could do online from home, I'd be eternally grateful.
I know, if it were that easy everyone would do it, but I'm attempting to explore every avenue and as we are a friendly and knowledgeable community, I figure, why not ask, you don't know if you don't ask. I was recently in dire straits trying to make student loan payments with very little money coming in (much more going out) but was granted forbearance for now... it was pretty darn scary for awhile.
Anyway I hate to be so "open" about myself, but I promised myself I'd ask around and look anywhere I could, or I'd feel I wasn't doing enough. Thanks for your time and support everyone.
