I'm curious...

[Kokopelli]

Kokopelli, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for that post. You explained my deepest thoughts on the subject, but spared yourself from perhaps the emotional aspects of my post which may have rubbed some the wrong way.
I hope I did not come across as giving up on myself, as I really am doing everything I can to better myself. I just don't like that I should feel ashamed of being on disability, just as I have had to overcome the shame of being disabled my whole life.
Your career advancement observation is a great one, and sums up my feelings on the matter. I have to be more inventive about my future because of my disability, and don't see any sort of quality of life or advancement that could come from computer/phone type jobs. I also don't know how my disability will affect me in the future, so I don't think it would even be wise to set myself up with a dead end job at this stage in my life. That's not to say that I'm not looking to have an extra job, but I don't feel that my disability should reflect poorly on my hourly worth.
Right now I am an aspiring artist, and have received decent notoriety as of the last few years. I can't see driving an hour to the closest job that I'm physically able to do, each day, two trips, for minimum wage and no career advancement opportunities in a field that doesn't interest me. I can produce artwork that will someday be worth much more, and I will be using my god given talents, rather than wearing my career on the backbone of my disability. I also plan on breeding reptiles, an at home type business which can also help me provide for myself, and is something I am passionate about. I consider my SSI to be a supplement for what I cannot physically do, and something that will help me reach my goal of being self sustaining.
I get very offended by the label of a handout, thief, milker of the system, etc... I work very hard every day to keep my eyes on the prize, and my boat afloat. I am otherwise completely independent, and do every other task that is required of any other individual. I don't take the personal accusation of being lazy very lightly, work is very hard for me, and even casual tasks are much harder for me than most.
I think that others just like to use those less fortunate, and criticize them as an attempt to look self righteous and higher up in society. I used to take these accusations much more personally, but my heart is as honest as any, and I know my abilities and limitations better than anyone else could. So if I feel one way, and others feel differently, that I just have to remember that not everyone has the sensibility to comprehend the deep intricacies that make up my life.
I manage a life on a little over $600 a month, and handle all of the responsibilities of any other well run household. These are tasks that I manage better with each passing day, and I know that my progress can't be diminished by false accusations.
Everyone seems to have a reference to a disabled person they know, and I feel for those people, but no one can say one has it harder than another. In ways it was harder for me to have the ability to walk, and be born with the mind I have. I have witnessed the discrimination, hardships, and setbacks that make up some of the more difficult aspects of being disabled, and also have to answer to the opposite side of the debate simply because I make the attempts to push my physical boundaries. I weigh half the weight of the average person, so if I can do tasks such as helping out with lawn jobs, cleaning jobs, etc... that others should see it as an accomplishment, and not some underhanded plot to collect SSI and the occasional cash an odd job may provide.

Again, I thank you again Kokopelli, and I wish more people were as thoughtful and respectful as you!

First off, thanks for the compliment

From what I've noticed, in the rather... limited life-span I've had so far... thinking negatively of others takes a whole lot of energy gone to waste... because usually the person you dislike couldn't care less what you think. So why bother?

I agree with everything you said save one- "I think that others just like to use those less fortunate, and criticize them as an attempt to look self righteous and higher up in society".
I have to disagree...
because:
1- That's an offensive accusation. I agree that some people tend to criticize handicapped harshly without knowing the full story... but I cannot bring myself to believe that this is the reason. IMHO, they criticizing is understandable... because when you look at it from their point of view without being open to the notion that maybe they cannot see the whole issue objectively- it does seem like they are working their butts off while others "reap the fruits".
2- There -are- people who allow themselves to be supported by others... and there ARE crooks out there who take advantage of the system. I think that these are a minority, but in a society where we tend to glorify the negative and all that we are exposed to in the news is how we are being ripped off, or how people commit crimes... much of this anger is a self preservation mechanism.

You wish to be understood, they too, should earn your understanding.
It's difficult... especially when you are involved. It's very hard to try and understand someone who spoke negatively against you...
But I find that MOST people are normative, and as such, they have justifications for their beliefs which are both logical and consisted with the norms as they see them.

Being judgmental is a sin we all commit from time to time. The best we can do is try to bear in mind that each of us has a story to tell, and we will never be able to fully understand what motivates them to act in one way or another.
However, criticism too has a place, for it begets progress if we allow ourselves to take it as such.

Maybe I am babbling idealistic nonsense, but I try to apply it to my every day life.

 

[Michael823]

You're absolutely right, and I thank you once more. Again my statement was more out of the personal emotion of it all, and you articulated it very accurately in a way I should have too. I should have chosen my words better in that section, and do apologize to those it might offend. I do understand KJUN, and you are right in saying that he rightfully shared the opinion from his perspective. I do not disagree with a lot of what he says, but I also cannot, better yet choose not, to ignore the personal aspect of his ridicule.
I absolutely understand that there are those who abuse the system, but I just don't see that I am one of them. Like in regards to the drug testing. I too think there should be limitations to who qualifies for SSI, and those who use drugs, and or excessively drink should not be able to spend others hard earned money.
I can see the frustration in working all week for a check that isn't equivalent to those on welfare, SSI, etc... But from my perspective, I don't take my SSI lightly. I understand that I have the responsibility to live a life in accordance of receiving assistance, and I believe that I do. I strictly budget, don't smoke, drink, etc... and am doing things to further a future where I may not need assistance. I too have big dreams, and do not want to treat my SSI as a foundation for my financial stability, but more a stepping stone to reach financial success.
I also think that half of the misunderstanding is people not knowing exactly what my disability is. I have tried finding accurate to the point info, but it is just a very rare and varying disease, and is hard to pin point accurate descriptions. For those who would be interested in finding out, it is called Multi Core Myopathy, often times confused with Mini Core Myopathy. It affects my muscles, causes spinal cord issues, and limits many physical activities such as running, jumping, standing up without assistance, etc... the degree that my brother and I were affected made the doctors question if we would ever walk in the first place, they actually said that we wouldn't.

Anyways, thanks again! Maybe others can do the research themselves before coming up with there own interpretation of my condition, and hopefully that will resolve some of the confusion.

 

[Kokopelli]

Don't sweat it. I think I have a slight advantage when it comes to articulating myself because I have to be extra careful- this is not my native tongue. So most of the time I -have- to review what I type and adjust accordingly.
That doesn't mean things don't slip by but... it does force me to be a little extra cautious and more selective.

As long as you know you're doing all you can do, and that you are not abusing it, there's no need to be hurt.

Have a great weekend

Oren

 

[joblack83]

I can see both reasons why this is such a hot topic. I don't know exactly how the government will finally come to a compromise on this issue without ticking a lot of people off one way or the other.

I was in the USN and was diagnosed with a few problems and then was given a medical discharge. While I was active duty we had "Tricare" insurance and there were different options (and choice of free to paying something) such as whether to have a primary military doctor or to use a private doctor. We used the military doctors. That care was fine. I was seen in a reasonable time and was given care. Granted sometimes it takes a while to see the correct specialist to get a diagnosis but I believe that to be true anywhere. (It's like if we have a hatchling snake that looks different than anything we've ever seen but might have a clue on who might know what the critter is). They sent us to private doctors when the Navy Hospital didn't have a certain specialist.

Immediately after my discharge I was seeing a private doctor (with my Tricare that I have). It was pretty much the same as when I was active duty.

Now I mainly see the VA doctors because they are closer than my other doctor since I moved. I have to agree with KJUN on this issue. The VA system needs work. They don't want to see you unless it's something new or it's been at least six months since your last visit, even when they are changing your meds because they aren't working like they are supposed to and only give you one months supply. It takes them a VERY LONG time to get anything done. And at least a half dozen other complaints could be lodged right now off the top of my head that I won't really go into, including the Dallas VA's many problems. But I have to admit, while the VA isn't my ideal choice, it's better than nothing.

I do think that I am going to back to my insurance company and find a closer doctor and start going to a private doctor. That's what's best for me. What someone else's perspective is will be different, they could have had a pleasant experience with the government's health care. I don't know. Either way I would like a choice. If they are going to make it into law than they should model it off the way their active duty personnel are receiving health care not the veterans. That's just my 2 cents.

 

[KJUN]

> but you expect everyone to put in the same effort to get there.

Actually, no. I expect people to put in the same effort that I did if they expect to have what I've got. I expect people to put in the effort it takes to get to the point of where they should be. Want more? Put in more effort. Want less, then you can put in less effort. I think you DESERVE what you EARN....and you do not deserve ANYTHING without earning it. I fail to see what can be a problem with that statement. You deserve what you earn. You don't deserve anything you do not earn.

Again, I'm not saying a good person shouldn't GIVE to charity to help others. I'm saying that the receiver is not entitled to it just because they have less - in any definition. All any of us get just by being born is what is listed in the BOR.

> even at the cost of their personal happiness. I have to disagree.

People that are not handicapped do that every single day in America. People that are not handicapped do it so taxes can go to help those that are handicapped (no matter what some people say about a fictional economic system where taxes don't help them!). Should I have to work harder and sacrifice my personal happiness because such a large percentage of my taxes go to others? Why is my happiness less valuable than someone else's? (I don't mean me personally - I actually love my job.)

> You are not in the position to judge who can, or can't work, and in what job.

I agree with that statement. However, isn't the tax payer a better person to have a saying in it than the tax receiver. Plus, I'm not so much as attacking the idea that the monies are offered (I will, but that hasn't been my recent argument), but I am attacking the lack of personal drive that allows a person to take it if they do not absolutely require it. You've already stated that the origin of that lack might come from the problem itself, but that comes under the mental handicap umbrella. I even said there was a difference between those two that even old heartless me is forced to recognize.

> IF a disabled person has the ability to "stand on his own two feet", and I do not speak of just the physical ability to word- but the mental capacity to deal with it, AND advance to a station where he can have a quality of life- than yes, your post is absolutely right.

You say "if." I say, "They should." That might be our only disagreement. I did really enjoy your response. Thank you.

> I think that it would be best to refrain from judging.

Well, does that mean I should pay more and more taxes and never say anything and just assume the government is doing "right" with them? That's the problem. If they were getting it from charity, then I would never argue with anyone over this topic. I would just pick which charities I donated to. They are getting it from me, though. I believe that gives me the right to judge who is getting money right or wrong. Of course, I mean this in general. If they are on welfare and smoke, I have the right to judge that they should not get it.

After all, without judging, how can I decide who I want to vote for (those that vote the way I judge) and vote against (those I vote against my beliefs). Think about that. I HAVE to judge to make an educated decision on the way I want to vote.

> I will still be paying taxes, this won't change, and you know what? I am fine with it helping someone have a better life if his life is a struggle.

Are you saying healthy people don't have to struggle to over there to reach a good position in life? If so, I'm moving in with you! LOL. Here - it is hard work to advance. Stress takes its toll on healthy people, so I just don't buy the excuse that it hurts their health. Heck, I'm sure I took years off of my life with the stressful situations I've been in that I HAD to make come out the best for possible further development of my career.

Not to get personal again, but if someone is not too handicapped to post thousands of words a day on a forum, they are NOT too handicapped to get an online job! I have ALWAYS supported government funded monies for training at taxpayer expense. Always!

I want to stress this part: I believe training them to do a job they can do (if they can do one) and then letting them do that helps them more than just giving them money to stay alive. The pride of doing for yourself should be more helpful than just being a receiver. I'm not saying, "Don't Help!" I'm saying, help them become a worker so they can then REALLY function like the others. That is the only way they really stop being outsiders in the mainstream American society. Training for something they CAN do, I believe, is the BEST help we can - and I believe should - give them. Deserve is still a nasty word to me....lol.


> And those who abuse it... what goes around comes around.

Sadly, not in America during their lifetime. There are generations of HEALTHY people that have never had a legal job.

 

[Kokopelli]

> but you expect everyone to put in the same effort to get there.

Actually, no. I expect people to put in the same effort that I did if they expect to have what I've got. I expect people to put in the effort it takes to get to the point of where they should be. Want more? Put in more effort. Want less, then you can put in less effort. I think you DESERVE what you EARN....and you do not deserve ANYTHING without earning it. I fail to see what can be a problem with that statement. You deserve what you earn. You don't deserve anything you do not earn.

Again, I'm not saying a good person shouldn't GIVE to charity to help others. I'm saying that the receiver is not entitled to it just because they have less - in any definition. All any of us get just by being born is what is listed in the BOR.

> even at the cost of their personal happiness. I have to disagree.

People that are not handicapped do that every single day in America. People that are not handicapped do it so taxes can go to help those that are handicapped (no matter what some people say about a fictional economic system where taxes don't help them!). Should I have to work harder and sacrifice my personal happiness because such a large percentage of my taxes go to others? Why is my happiness less valuable than someone else's? (I don't mean me personally - I actually love my job.)

> You are not in the position to judge who can, or can't work, and in what job.

I agree with that statement. However, isn't the tax payer a better person to have a saying in it than the tax receiver. Plus, I'm not so much as attacking the idea that the monies are offered (I will, but that hasn't been my recent argument), but I am attacking the lack of personal drive that allows a person to take it if they do not absolutely require it. You've already stated that the origin of that lack might come from the problem itself, but that comes under the mental handicap umbrella. I even said there was a difference between those two that even old heartless me is forced to recognize.

> IF a disabled person has the ability to "stand on his own two feet", and I do not speak of just the physical ability to word- but the mental capacity to deal with it, AND advance to a station where he can have a quality of life- than yes, your post is absolutely right.

You say "if." I say, "They should." That might be our only disagreement. I did really enjoy your response. Thank you.

> I think that it would be best to refrain from judging.

Well, does that mean I should pay more and more taxes and never say anything and just assume the government is doing "right" with them? That's the problem. If they were getting it from charity, then I would never argue with anyone over this topic. I would just pick which charities I donated to. They are getting it from me, though. I believe that gives me the right to judge who is getting money right or wrong. Of course, I mean this in general. If they are on welfare and smoke, I have the right to judge that they should not get it.

After all, without judging, how can I decide who I want to vote for (those that vote the way I judge) and vote against (those I vote against my beliefs). Think about that. I HAVE to judge to make an educated decision on the way I want to vote.

> I will still be paying taxes, this won't change, and you know what? I am fine with it helping someone have a better life if his life is a struggle.

Are you saying healthy people don't have to struggle to over there to reach a good position in life? If so, I'm moving in with you! LOL. Here - it is hard work to advance. Stress takes its toll on healthy people, so I just don't buy the excuse that it hurts their health. Heck, I'm sure I took years off of my life with the stressful situations I've been in that I HAD to make come out the best for possible further development of my career.

Not to get personal again, but if someone is not too handicapped to post thousands of words a day on a forum, they are NOT too handicapped to get an online job! I have ALWAYS supported government funded monies for training at taxpayer expense. Always!

I want to stress this part: I believe training them to do a job they can do (if they can do one) and then letting them do that helps them more than just giving them money to stay alive. The pride of doing for yourself should be more helpful than just being a receiver. I'm not saying, "Don't Help!" I'm saying, help them become a worker so they can then REALLY function like the others. That is the only way they really stop being outsiders in the mainstream American society. Training for something they CAN do, I believe, is the BEST help we can - and I believe should - give them. Deserve is still a nasty word to me....lol.


> And those who abuse it... what goes around comes around.

Sadly, not in America during their lifetime. There are generations of HEALTHY people that have never had a legal job.

I can't advise moving here mate... everything costs more and the paycheck is lower than it is in the states
The taxes are higher as well if I am not very much mistaken

All I am saying is that you don't know what efforts Michael is or isn't doing. It also takes time until someone harbors the needed skills to start working on his own.

Also, the fact that he can write in a forum doesn't mean he has the technical skills or the personal skills needed for say... customer service.
I've been in customer service for around 3 years now- and you need a lot of patience, not everyone fits.
You also have to type quickly... it's not like a forum.

INMHO you are too focused on your own angle on things... which is your right.
As someone who is working very hard to earn his living, I, from the same position in which you are in, am more accepting.
Not because I am weaker, nor because I am ignorant. Maybe it's because I have been exposed to more such scenarios to see enough of the other side's struggles.

If you prefer to feel that all these people simply like taking this money and being lazy... that's your right and I can't argue with it.
I however choose to believe, and have seen enough to support this belief, that they wish to be independent no less than you or me.

We will at this point perhaps have to agree to disagree

Thank you for sharing your thoughts though, I really do appreciate it.

Oren

 

[KJUN]

Also, the fact that he can write in a forum doesn't mean he has the technical skills or the personal skills needed for say... customer service.

That's a job he might not be able to perform, but too frequently we concentrate on what one CAN'T do...and ignore all the ones they CAN do. Rehabilitation is only possible (or habilitation if that is a word) by concentrating on what one CAN do. Again - in general. I don't mean anyone in particular with that statement. There are LOTS that they can do if they can type assuming no mental disabilities or retardation. Remember I said training. I don't expect anyone to have the technical abilities to do ANYTHING without training......and we have LOTS of aide to help one get training if they want it. As far as lacking personal skills (and that can be taken multiple ways), that might be the whole problem, mightn't it not? (bad grammar....lol.)

Sooooo, I just want to make it clear that I personally support helping people that can never get a job to support themselves and I support training of people to help them get a job that they CAN do. I do not support free money to someone that COULD be trained to be self-supporting but refuse to accept such training or a job because "they don't like it." That is the difference.

 

[Kokopelli]

Naturally, you have some valid points.
I simply think you assume people aren't striving as much as you would like... and some of this thinking is a tad insensitive IMHO.

I understand your argument though

 

[tsst]

Perhaps you guys didn't see this post

Yes except you left out some info.

What happens to Medicaid coverage if a SSI recipient works? If a recipient`s State provides Medicaid to people on SSI, the recipient will continue to be eligible for Medicaid. Please refer to the general Work Incentives section for more information about SSI work incentives.
Medicaid coverage can continue even it a recipient`s earnings along with other income become too high for a SSI cash payment.

A pre-existing condition exclusion can not be longer than 12 months from your enrollment date (18 months for a late enrollee).

So now in your scenario he would continue to receive Medicaid and eventually get HMO coverage. He would simply be paying a share of his own care and living expenses. May even still receive some SSI. But then $12 an hour is a little off too. According to salary.com an IT Systems Architect (software guy) makes a little more.

http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/...AjaxDisplaySection1=1&hdAjaxDisplaySection2=0

 

[TxMomto4]

Hey I've got an idea; Why don't we make it routine to have all the disabled people in America grovel before they get their SSI checks each month?. We can have them wear little Fez's and make them learn how to play the Trumpet, that way they can salute the working class instead of just being lazy all day!. Then let's have them get their blood sampled to see if their on drugs or still ill. Then let's require copies of every receipt and have their houses randomly searched for material possessions they don't deserve!.

Personally I feel all this "Why don't you work?" nonsense is garbage, and KJUN, that little comment about a friend who would prefer to have my disability; that's just clueless!. I mean you act like you created yourself. You don't know anything about my disability whatsoever so how you can compare conditions is beyond me. Totally ridiculous. Disclaimer for the spectators and mod's; I'm baffled, not offended!.

Actually someone on SSI SHOULD keep all their receipts as they do not know when they will be "audited" so to speak. Also, I have not read anywhere in this conversation where someone said to publicly humiliate anyone. Taking a drug test may be humiliating, but I'm sorry, it should be done, BUT a drug test is NOT public. Urinating in front of a dr. is as professional as something like that gets. My husband has to perform them for work (law enforcement). Many others do too. A friend just got a job as a secretary at a car dealership, and had to pee in front of a nurse. Oh, and this job pays $8, but in today's society a JOB is a JOB.

 

[TxMomto4]

I'm not talking to you. Take your meds and let your Micheal persona rise to the top again. That one always makes more sense.



No, what is totally ridiculous is that you couldn't even spell correctly the name of the disease you are telling us you had. .

Wait... so Michael and Ricky are the same? Just checking...

 

[TxMomto4]

Perhaps you guys didn't see this post

Federal law, as long as a SSI recipient receives $1 a month from the SSI office, they have their medicaid/medicare coverage. There for there are NO medical costs for that person. So yes, rosy.

 

[TxMomto4]

I saw it. None of that makes it morally correct for a person that can work to remain a drain on the welfare system because they can make more money that way. Heck, look back to the post where someone showed that unemployment pays more than minimum wage. Does that mean everyone on minimum wage should stop working and file for unemployment? No, it means we pay too much to people on disability! That's what your post meant to me. No way should someone getting a free check make more than a worker. That just shows how broken the system happens to be!

I would like to point out that as long as someone receives $1 a month in SSI, they would still receive their medicaid/medicare through the state and all medical bills would be covered.

 

[dave partington]

Federal law, as long as a SSI recipient receives $1 a month from the SSI office, they have their medicaid/medicare coverage. There for there are NO medical costs for that person. So yes, rosy.

Thank you. That is good info to know. If you could please provide me a link to where that is stated on the .gov site, I'd be most humbled. dave

 

[Michael823]

That's a job he might not be able to perform, but too frequently we concentrate on what one CAN'T do...and ignore all the ones they CAN do. Rehabilitation is only possible (or habilitation if that is a word) by concentrating on what one CAN do.

I think we would tend to agree more than disagree here, but there is a different side. Like you say, people often tend to focus more on what one can't do, rather than what one can, but this is usually at the expense of the disabled person in my opinion. For example, there is a job in town which would be the perfect type of thing for me. It is at a hardware store, is close, and pays decent while also seeming like a job I would enjoy and be good at. But when I was mentioned as a possible person for the job, I was denied for the simple fact I couldn't lift 50lbs/100lbs? Yet there is usually only one person out of the whole staff doing heavy lifting at one given time, while the rest either do nothing, or do jobs I could easily handle. I could do a great job at the registers because of my people skills (believe it or not , and helpful attitude. I could also do the labels, inventory, etc... Exceptionally well, as I am good at organization, quickly solving problems, etc... But rather than consider these qualities, I was basically discriminated due to my disability. And in my place the hired the laziest human being imaginable, who wasn't denied due to a disability, but complains of back pain all of the time in order to avoid any lifting. So he is left doing the tasks I had hoped for, but the exception is that he has zero people skills (very rude), always moping around, literally stands there while he watches others work, and leaves at closing on the dot without staying to help out (I know because my mother works there).
I think your statement is what hurts my job opportunities the most, but not because I don't focus on my abilities, I really do. That's why I would rather stick with my artwork and odd jobs for now, they are tasks I can handle, and my value stretches much farther using my artistic talent that it does with certain jobs. I figure if most businesses that provide anything close to a job that would work for me, and they choose to not accept me based strictly on my disability, than I have no other choice but to focus on the skills I have, even if that means suffering the lousy pay artwork is bringing in right now.

 

[TxMomto4]

I don't think it's fair, I don't think that a handicapped person should be forced to work his entire life in a crappy job most of us would be doing for only a short period of time before moving on. I refuse to be so cold.

I would just like to point out for argument's sake, that MOST people do not like their jobs. It is just something that has to be done to make ends meet. Jobs in America right now are scarce so ANY job is better than none. I taught in one of our local churches in the adult "special" sunday school class. Three of the gentleman there are older and have worked at our local walmart for MANY years with no raises, promotions, etc, and yet they are THANKFUL for a job. These are MENIAL, CRAPPY jobs, and yet, they are thankful to have them. There is a guy who is MR and works at our Brookshires for at LEAST 17 years (I've only lived in Greenville for 17 years) as a bagger. That is all he will ever be, and he is cheerful and so GLAD to have a job.

As for Michael's comments about job discrimination, in America, employers are NOT allowed to discriminate based upon disability as long as a potential employee is ABLE to do the job. Thought I would through that out there too. And if he WAS discriminated against, he would have a major lawsuit filed on them. If he was able to work as a janitor for his mom, why not do that somewhere else? And yes, there are "promotions" in the janitorial field. My old Ta Kwon Do instructor works as head janitor for our local sheriff's office and he makes pretty good money doing just that.

 

[TxMomto4]

Thank you. That is good info to know. If you could please provide me a link to where that is stated on the .gov site, I'd be most humbled. dave

I will have to call my son's SSI worker (the one who handles his medicaid), Kathy Wren. He gets very little money (pays for gas to appointments, diapers, etc). When I asked her about it, Kathy specifically told me that as long as he gets $1 for his SSI check, he gets his medicaid. I'll research it and find the exact link.

 

[TxMomto4]

I think we would tend to agree more than disagree here, but there is a different side. Like you say, people often tend to focus more on what one can't do, rather than what one can, but this is usually at the expense of the disabled person in my opinion. For example, there is a job in town which would be the perfect type of thing for me. It is at a hardware store, is close, and pays decent while also seeming like a job I would enjoy and be good at. But when I was mentioned as a possible person for the job, I was denied for the simple fact I couldn't lift 50lbs/100lbs? Yet there is usually only one person out of the whole staff doing heavy lifting at one given time, while the rest either do nothing, or do jobs I could easily handle. I could do a great job at the registers because of my people skills (believe it or not , and helpful attitude. I could also do the labels, inventory, etc... Exceptionally well, as I am good at organization, quickly solving problems, etc... But rather than consider these qualities, I was basically discriminated due to my disability. And in my place the hired the laziest human being imaginable, who wasn't denied due to a disability, but complains of back pain all of the time in order to avoid any lifting. So he is left doing the tasks I had hoped for, but the exception is that he has zero people skills (very rude), always moping around, literally stands there while he watches others work, and leaves at closing on the dot without staying to help out (I know because my mother works there).
I think your statement is what hurts my job opportunities the most, but not because I don't focus on my abilities, I really do. That's why I would rather stick with my artwork and odd jobs for now, they are tasks I can handle, and my value stretches much farther using my artistic talent that it does with certain jobs. I figure if most businesses that provide anything close to a job that would work for me, and they choose to not accept me based strictly on my disability, than I have no other choice but to focus on the skills I have, even if that means suffering the lousy pay artwork is bringing in right now.

If you are an artist, you could teach art classes or get a job painting murals, etc. I don't know how prominent jobs like that are in your area though.

 

[Michael823]

I taught in one of our local churches in the adult "special" sunday school class. Three of the gentleman there are older and have worked at our local walmart for MANY years with no raises, promotions, etc, and yet they are THANKFUL for a job. These are MENIAL, CRAPPY jobs, and yet, they are thankful to have them. There is a guy who is MR and works at our Brookshires for at LEAST 17 years (I've only lived in Greenville for 17 years) as a bagger. That is all he will ever be, and he is cheerful and so GLAD to have a job.

I'm really not trying to be insensitive in any way, but all disabilities range, and perhaps that is a job that they can handle, and that's why they love it. I feel that I have much more to provide the work force than the limited opportunities my one disability prevents me from doing, and should be compensated equally. If not, than I will stay home and do my artwork, focus on a reptile breeding business, and make money as the opportunities come. It might sound selfish to some, but to me it's life, and I won't deny my own self a quality of life and total equality based on what others consider to be jobs that a handicapped person should readily accept.

As for Michael's comments about job discrimination, in America, employers are NOT allowed to discriminate based upon disability as long as a potential employee is ABLE to do the job.

Well it is disguised as a job description that the employee must lift a certain weight limit, but I consider that discrimination. If the only task the employee was obliged to do was lift heavy weights, than I would be unreasonably naive to call it discrimination, as I couldn't do the job required. But I feel that there are many other tasks that the store needs done, so to have the weight limit is discriminating in my opinion.

If he was able to work as a janitor for his mom, why not do that somewhere else? And yes, there are "promotions" in the janitorial field. My old Ta Kwon Do instructor works as head janitor for our local sheriff's office and he makes pretty good money doing just that.

It was cleaning restaurants, not technically janitorial work. I also helped my mother as she needed a ride anyways, and it was a way to make a little money. I did it because she was also there to help, so doing it solo would be highly difficult. We usually finished in two to three hours, and made decent pay based on the job, not hourly wage. Janitorial work would have a meager pay, and would be based on an hourly wage. So my earnings would be stunted by my disability, and inability to work at a quick enough pace, whereas it was unaffected while working with my mother as we alternated tasks, and I was able to clean more efficiently that way.

 

[diamondlil]

Michael, everyone has limits on what job they can do, and most people don't spring out of bed singing 'Hallelujah!' on work days. That's reality.
I could refuse to work unless I can be a classical ballerina. My total lack of coordination, experience, training and physical stature, along with my age would ensure I'd be able to cry 'foul' and stay on state benefits forever.