When I started at St John of God Health Care almost thirteen years ago, I do not think anyone knew what to do with me.
At the time, my only disability was in relation to my legs. I was wobbly, unable to climb stairs and the distance I could walk was very limited. I did have a clawed hand which while obvious did not pose much of an obstacle and of course, I have always been funny looking.
These days I have a couple more things to add to that list. I am now legally blind and hearing impaired to boot, (what can I say? I guess I am just greedy).
But ironically, even with these bonuses I think I am a much more useful person now, than I was when I could see and hear you properly.
Why? Because finally, everyone has stopped “helping” me.
Not long after I started, I was given an electric stapler because someone noticed I was struggling with the manual one I was using.
The only problem was, I was not actually struggling. Until I started using the new one, that is.
You see, I have an amazing ability to make things that are incredibly simple look incredibly difficult. Even when I am actually having no trouble with them at all. I know, it is a gift.
As human beings our natural response to seeing someone struggling is to help and so I often wind up with help that is not actually helpful to me.
In this case, the electric stapler was much more difficult to use, as it required me to hold the paper in exactly the right spot and keep it still. No mean feat when you are only using one hand.
Needless to say, this did not make things easier. Still I used it so as not to appear rude or ungrateful.
There is a common myth that having a disabled employee on staff is a burden because said employee is sure to need so many extra allowances to be made for them.
Is this actually true though? Or is it just a lack of faith in our abilities?
Yes, some of us may require a screen reader (for example), but once we have these things, we are good to go. There is no need for anything else unless we ask for it.
On a side note, I realise the monotonous computer voice of the screen reader I use is extremely annoying. That is why I wear the headphones – You’re welcome.
It is not so much disability. It is different ability.
