Luc’s Top 10 Recommendations for Working as a Person with a Physical Disability

Returning to work after an accident can be difficult. You may find that the period of adjustment is long and that you feel uncomfortable at times. Here are some suggestions to help you return to work with confidence and dignity.

#1 Be a role model for the disabled community

When you take a job as a disabled person, you are an ambassador for the entire disabled community. If you make a good impression with your employer, that employer may be more inclined to hire more persons with a disability in the future. On the other hand, if a disabled person does not meet productivity expectations, or if the experience is unpleasant for the employer, the opportunity for other disabled persons to be hired may be diminished. So, give it your best shot not only for yourself but also for others who might follow.

#2 Be assertive, but not demanding

Ask for the disability accommodations you need to be productive at the job, but be reasonable. For example, ask for automating a few doors you pass through frequently at the office, but don’t demand that every door in the building needs to be automated. There is no need to automate a door you only pass through once a year. Asking for unreasonable accommodations or being too demanding in what you ask for may not only damage your good standing with your employer, but it might also result in an employer being turned off towards hiring additional persons with a disability.

#3 Take extra care of your health

People with a disability are often stereotyped as being unhealthy – which is not necessarily true. Some employers may be afraid of hiring persons with a disability because they may have the perception that a person with a disability may need to take more sick days than an able-bodied person. Take extra care of your health and provide yourself with the equipment you need to stay healthy so that you can disabuse employers of the notion that the disabled are unhealthy. I have done a few things that have helped me to stay so fit and well that I haven’t needed to take a single sick day for many years now.

#4 Minimize your dependence on coworkers

It is understandable that you may need some assistance when first returning to work after a disabling accident. Before you become acclimated to your new condition you may need extra support and you will likely find that there are always people willing to help you. However, I recommend that you avoid relying on this extra support for the long term. Your coworkers are busy people and they all have jobs to do. Interrupting them too often can be very annoying, and may cause resentment over time. However, depending your level of disability, several actions can be taken to become more independent on the job. For example, a desk configuration that allows you easy access to all the tools and equipment you use to perform your job will minimize the need for a coworker to provide a helping hand. An assistance dog can be very helpful just by picking up any dropped items off of the floor. If you strive to constantly become more independent on the job, you will be more productive and likely be happier as well.

#5 Dress appropriately

One of the most important things to keep in mind when you start a new job in a business environment is to make sure that you dress appropriately for the job. Some able-bodied persons may have the perception that those with disabilities are different in ways other than their physical capabilities. So it is very important to portray a professional look to dispel any kind of stereotyping that may take place.

#6 Maintain your equipment

As a person with a disability, you may be heavily reliant on adaptive equipment, a wheelchair, or an accessible van to get to work. Any breakdowns may mean time away from your job for repairs. Preventive maintenance and having backup equipment will minimize any downtime and the resulting inability to work.

#7 Keep your wheelchair clean

Just as it is not appropriate to go to work wearing dirty clothes, it is inappropriate to be in a business environment using a dirty wheelchair. It makes you look unprofessional and it may reflect negatively on the image of the disabled community.

#8 Don’t hide – be seen

Interact and socialize with your peers. The better they get to know you, the more comfortable they will feel around your disability. Having a more personal relationship with your peers creates healthy working relationships. By staying in the background and showing limited visibility, you may find yourself left out when it comes to career opportunities. Even though I have the option to telecommute, I still prefer to go into work every day to have some level of personal interaction with my colleagues.

#9 Put in extra effort

Some managers may have lower productivity expectations of a person with a disability. You can easily buck that perception by putting in extra effort, especially when you start a new project or when you get assigned to a new manager. A good first impression will help build trust. I personally have had the experience of being assigned to more interesting tasks at work because of my willingness to give a little extra and make a great first impression. Additionally, by working just a little harder, you are likely to outperform some of your peers, which in turn can make you really feel good about being productive as a person with a disability. Being a positive example will also open the door for other persons with a disability to be hired by your company.

#10 Take pride in working as a person with a disability

You should feel good about working as a person with a disability. Not everyone in the disabled community chooses to make the commitment – you have, and have been able to overcame your fears. Unknowingly, you may be an inspiration to your coworkers who often don’t even realize the challenges you have to deal with in finding a job, and the process you may have to go through to get ready to be at work on time. And you may also be able to inspire other persons with a disability to enter or reenter the workforce. Be proud of what you, as a disabled person, can accomplish!