Be Yourself!: Living with a Disability in the Workplace

I remember the first time I entered the workforce; I had to complete an internship in order to receive my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Georgia State University. I was extremely nervous because I didn’t really know how my future co-workers would treat me because of my physical disability. To my delight, they treated me with the utmost respect, and even made accommodations for me as I needed them. As the weeks passed, I became more comfortable around my colleagues and my anxiety soon subsided.  As a woman living with Cerebral Palsy, I would like to share my experiences and impart some helpful tips so others with developmental disabilities can better adjust and be more comfortable in the workplace.

1.  Be Yourself- People tend to have more respect for you when you are being genuine (while still being professional, of course)!  Being yourself shows that you possess integrity and confidence.  Nobody can be a better you than you!
   
   
2. Be Approachable- I don’t know many people who prefer working with someone who is unfriendly or unapproachable. Try to have a positive attitude at all costs!  Your attitude may be an important factor that brings the raise you so desire or that promotion you have been waiting a year to get. Your temperament says a lot about your character especially when dealing with adversity and conflict within the work place. Though it may be a cliché, it’s true that your attitude can determine your altitude.  Be the person who puts a smile on your co-workers’ faces— it leaves a lasting impression and can help when collaborating in the future.
   
3. Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help- Don’t let your disability discourage you from asking your colleagues for help when there is something you are unsure about.  Co-workers ask each other for assistance all the time and you will find that they will probably need your help with something they may not understand!
   
4. Be Confident- While in the work place, be confident in your skills and knowledge.  Do your assigned work to the best of your ability. If your supervisor criticizes your work, understand that they are trying to help you become better at what you do.  Someone who is confident should be able to take constructive criticism and use it to perfect their craft.

I hope these four tips that I have discussed will better prepare you when it comes to working with your colleagues. If you are friendly, willing to learn and confident, then your abilities will shine through and your hard work will pay off!

Rosalyn graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work.  She volunteers with AADD every Tuesday and Thursday, assisting the development department with numerous organization projects and bringing creative ideas to AADD’s Social Media platforms, recently introducing Mythbuster Mondays on Facebook.  She is originally from Lithonia, Georgia, where she has lived for the past 24 years.  She is a self-proclaimed “book nerd”, who loves to read and watch movies.