The Wisdom of Margaret Mead

Margaret Mead had it right when she said "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. "Often when I hear literary quotes they sound nice but are hard to ring true to real life that is not true of this particular quote. This is a call to action. I have been lucky enough to see many instances in my life where small groups have made big changes. One such initiative is the formation and growth of the Global Network of Entrepreneurs with Disabilities (GNED). In a little over a year GNED has developed from a call for support over an Internet discussion forum to incorporation as a nonprofit in the bricks and mortar world. This is a unique start since people usually engineer their online presence after an organization has been created and in many cases running for several months if not years. But in my opinion this reverse engineering is only a small part of the uniqueness of this organization.

 

What makes GNED unique is its commitment to the betterment of people with disabilities worldwide through the innovation of entrepreneurship. As an entrepreneur with a disability myself, sometimes it feels like supports that are supposed to assist me with employment endeavours work against me. It is in these times that I am grateful for the peer support I have received from my colleagues at GNED, but even more than the peer support is the message that people with disabilities can run businesses and do so successfully. The message is a powerful one. One that the rest of the world has yet to hear but because of the work of GNED will hear more and more, louder and louder over time. It is my hope that after hearing this message the working lives of people with disabilities as contributing members of societies the world over will be forever changed for the better, as this may serve to increase independence and encourage personal autonomy for people with disabilities.

 

Prior to April 2010 the prospect of making it in business as a person with a disability was isolating. The isolation like silence was deafening. A year later, with the work of GNED and my involvement, isolation is not a problem and I feel a part of something great. Greatness is sometimes overrated but perhaps the greatest thing that GNED can hope to do is to inform and change the conversation when it comes to employment of people with disabilities from one of charity to one of the capacity for contribution to economic diversity.

 

The conversation needs to change and as people with disabilities we must remain committed to be shepherds of that change for a lot can be achieved through patience and perseverance. If GNED has taught me anything it has taught me to love my work again with a renewed purpose and sense of accomplishment. As GNED grows I'm hoping it can be of similar inspiration to others worldwide.

 

 

 

What to Expect When You Are Working

A university education introduces people to their aptitude for different knowledge and skills in different areas.  The challenge is conversion of knowledge and skills to experiences that can be applied in a competitive employment market. 

This is a challenge that every student faces.  Add the life circumstances presented by disability, and the challenges are made more complex. 

The complexity of the challenges is experienced by every person differently and coping with them is a process.  The problem is sometimes people are not aware of the complexity until they have confronted by negative experiences while looking for employment whether it is, looking for temporary work during a break from school or while looking for a full-time job related to their studies or expertise after graduation.    Even if by past experience you expect these challenges, how do you deal with them in order to be successful in your search for job?

Your education experiences have made you eager to enter the world of work on the same level as your peers.  After all, you did take the same classes and pass the same courses often times with not just good but great marks.  And now you are ready to make your mark on the career world with the same determination you used while in university and that is absolutely great!  A great attitude is certainly part of the tools you need to make it.  However, it is important to note that attitude is only part of the puzzle.  Actually, the puzzle is a process.

You've got a great attitude and you have goals.  Sounds easy enough.  Now consider the effects your disability will have on your working life.  In this age of employment equity it is often thought that accommodations will be provided without question and there will be little or no impact.  Unfortunately, that is the best case scenario. 

Reality dictates that accommodations must be negotiated and you must consider the impact of your disability on your working life.  Considering that impact can be overwhelming and sometimes discouraging,  it can also be enlightening and powerful as it will leave a sense of greater preparedness.