Help with Disability
Disabled people have it tough in the workplace and have it even tougher getting into the workplace. Those with even simple learning disabilities go through school all the way to 12th grade with a designated aide who helps you stay on top of assignments, negotiates problems for teachers on your behalf, assists in guiding you and that aide makes school so much easier. The inverse of this, of course, is that it is that much harder to navigate the workplace without an aide.
There are certain protections against discrimination for your disability by the Americans with Disability Act but it is difficult to find and retain a job without that "aide"-type figure that you were assigned in your schooldays. It's also difficult to get into the door of jobs if you don't show as much promise as other candidates, and in the face of more qualified candidates, it's not always easy to explain that you have a disability so you should be given an equal chance.
Organization is of the essence, as you have to be consistent with your applications and you need to have a strong support system including mentors and people you can go to make sure you're on track and to keep you in line. Try getting off your computer and going to career centers like Joblink or your municipal employment agency explaining whatever special circumstances might arise out of your disability and having work personally with you because the job search can be overwhelming if you navigate it alone.
Job applications sometimes ask you if you have a disability and how it might affect you or if they require an examination than you are always aloud to ask for accomodations on that test. Whenever you do any type of work whether it is temp work, part-time work or a full-time job, let someone know immediately of your disabilities and how it would potentially affect your job so they will be sympathetic and know what to expect. Your bosses will be less prone to forgiving you for any lacking in on-the-job performance if they didn't know the nature of your problem beforehand. This is something that you shouldn't play it safe on.
If you ever feel that you were mistreated or unjustly let go of your job due to your disability, report it to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This is a free service and most of the details will be handled by investigators. One can also apply for social security disabily benefits which can be handled through a local social security office.
