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Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Just need to vent...

This whole thing has me feeling ill. Genuinely sick to my stomach. I can't stop thinking about it either. This is 2010 for crying out loud! Why is society still so ignorant? Why are disabled people still fighting for rights? Why is the LGBT community still fighting for rights? Why are minorities still fighting for rights?


Wake up!


Right now I don't know if I'm more angry over what happened to me (31 years of teasing and discrimination culminating in a drop kick to the face so to speak) or if I'm just sad for society in general...

This really has been a life long battle for me. In kindergarten I rode the handi-bus and was in a special ed class simply because I had one arm. I did not need the special resources because in all other aspects I was normal. My spot in the class would have been better used for a child who needed those supports.

My peers often excluded me or teased me. A few even beat me up.


In job interviews I have seen the look on an employers face once they noticed, I have heard the tone changed. I have been promptly thanked for coming, and never called back. Now, I'm not saying every employer who has opted not to hire me has done so because of my arm. But I know there were several, either because they were brave (stupid?) enough to tell me so, or because I could sense it in the interview.

I type a minimum of 50 words per minute one handed, I am a pretty loyal employee, I do what is asked and expected. If I'm not sure I can do a task, I at least try and if needed find a way to adapt if needed. Very rarely do I say "I can't do that because of my arm". In fact, it is so rare I think I have only said it once and meant it. It is changing the smibs in a slot machine. My reluctance has to do with the removal of a rather heavy piece of glass usually mounted on top of a slot, heck I'm sure it worries my 2 handed co-workers some days.


I'm getting many suggestions to go the route of the Human Rights Commission, and though I know this is exactly the type of case that they deal with, I'm leaning towards the legal lawsuit route. More of a public spanking. The HRC route gets the employer in a big pile of dung, but it is not very public. I want people to know, I want the next disabled person in my situation to have the inspration to do the same when it happens to them. To not be afraid of being labled a trouble maker because they stood up for themselves. I should have done this a long, long, time ago...



Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld PIN 303A5430

3 comments:

  1. That guy is a moron and deserves what he gets.

    I have known you for 12 years(has it really been that long?) and was your employer for 8 of those years. I've seen what you can do (pretty much anything you set your mind to) and what you can't do (nothing comes to mind right now, the list is that short).

    That someone would judge you without giving you a fair shot is ridiculous. He needs a wake up call. If you can do the job, which you showed you can, you should be allowed to do it, no matter your physical makeup.

    Shelley

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  2. I noticed your arm at your interview, but it never once crossed my mind not to give you a job because of it, and never worried that you wouldn't be able to do the job. You proved me right.

    You have had all sorts of jobs, and been able to meet the challenges of those jobs. You've taken care of kids of all ages, without any problems. You've gone through school, including post secondary courses, and I'm sure have surprised classmates and educators of your abilities. You are raising 2 kids, running a house, working multiple jobs, and managing just like anyone else would. Even better I would say, I couldn't handle all of that. In short, you are amazing.

    Don't let anyone hold you back; and if they try, KICK ASS!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Now go dry your eyes, cause I know this made you teary. :)

    Shelley

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  3. it sure did tear me up! at rehearsal no less, hahaha....

    ReplyDelete