September 2009

Having graduated with a degree in Creative Writing in May of this year, I have found myself thrown out into the “real world” diligently searching for a job alongside my able bodied peers. Even though I have made many strides toward being a meaningful member of society, it hasn’t been easy feeling useful throughout my disabled life. It’s tough having any disability, visible or not, in a world that’s not accommodating to these differences. I have grown up watching my sister and my friends hold down jobs, get their licenses, and do all the other things that “normal” people do. It seemed like I would never be on track with everyone else.

All of this has changed though, because I landed a great job that I am very proud to have. Not long ago, I sat at the kitchen table and searched the papers highlighting and circling all of the jobs that I ought to apply for. Eventually I came across an ad at the Vermont Center for Independent Living; they were looking for a Home Access Program Specialist. After the first interview I knew that this was exactly where I was meant to be, I completely related to the people I would be working with and the people I would be helping. I thought that having a disability would hurt my chances of being picked for a job, but at VCIL most of the staff is disabled. Our mission is to help people who are disabled lead independent lives with a sense of dignity, a truly worthwhile way to spend my time.

There haven’t been that many things that I have been truly passionate about but my job is one of them. In the Home Access Program, for example, we help people fund and build the modifications they need in there homes in order to live more independently. We help both the disabled as well as elderly people who are in danger of going into a nursing home.

One of the best things that has happened to me since I took this job is in a black binder that sits on my desk with the words ORIENTATION PACKET written on bright pink paper. This information informed me of the history of the Centers for Independent Living (CILs), as well as a history of the way society has viewed disabled people throughout the ages. The fight that people with disabilities have had to face in order to get the same rights as able bodied people is outrageous. I just could not believe any of the awful things that I read from that packet, it is the reason why I love what I do. If you ever get around to it, you ought to pick up The Music Within because it is a great movie depicting the struggle towards obtaining rights for people with disabilities.

I know that this job has absolutely nothing to do with my major at all, but it is by far one of the best jobs I have ever had! I feel great knowing that what I do really does make a difference in people’s lives and this job makes a difference in mine too. All those years of feeling useless have finally come to an end; it is so good to feel needed!