OVERCOMING BARRIERS

Here I am. My first day on a new job. I am a bit anxious yet curious and hopeful how this day will turn out. As the elevator moves up yet another floor, I catch few glimpses from a man standing nearby. “He must appreciate my new blue suit,” I decide to think. Another woman also looks towards my direction. “Maybe it's my hair. She probably likes my new style, “ I repeat to myself. But in reality my heart stirs and my palms sweat. I start having these thought about whether my co-workers will like me, whether my boss will be nice, whether I can handle the work-load….” The elevator arrives on the 13 th floor. I get out.

At the front desk, I get a greeting from a tall and blond woman. At first, she is surprised to see me, but then she gently smiles. I look up to smile back. We greet each other. She actually works as an office receptionist during the evenings, but this morning she came in to train me. “Don't worry,” Jen says. “There's not that much running around here.” She blushes. I understand. I have always understood.

Jen continues to shows me basic office duties for the next hour or so. It appears like we're becoming friends, yet I can still feel the distance between us. There are times when the awkwardness comes out. Like when another co-worker asks me to “go run” to get the coffee. Or when I have to “sprint” for the mail. Or when I have to use the bathroom- and can't go to the nearest one. At times, I feel what she is thinking… I wish she stopped.

Or else I'll start feeling sorry for myself.

After Jen leaves, I get to work. I answer phone calls and start typing the data she instructed me to. I am on the phone with a customer when one of the other directors straddles by.

“ Ma'am. Could you please move these file cabinets from this corner. They are obstructing the doorway.”

I slowly stroll out from behind my desk, ready to do it. He gasps.

“Oh, I'm sorry…I didn't know… I wouldn't have asked otherwise….”

He points to my wheelchair.

“It's ok. I'm used to it.” I try to make a joke, but it doesn't work.

The man once again gives out a sight of pity. He sends a nearby co-worker to help.

As I stroll in my wheelchair, passed the people and passed the work rooms, my soul transcends above them all, above the confining walls of this place, above to the sky, where it is free to fly….

“Is this it? Is this how work will be for the rest of my life?” I ponder.

“What do you think?”

Questions for the thoughtful, the wise, and the experienced:

In this story, the main character is adjusting to her new work place. She is not only different because she is new, but because she has a disability.

How can the society, the government, and the individual help her?

What do you suggest? Send us advice dealing with overcoming work-related obstacles. Were there times in your life when you struggled at work yet learned to overcome? How? What are your secrets, tips, and thoughts on this subject? The best advice for those struggling today comes from those who lived through it yesterday.

tfink at ncsd.org