Finding Employment Post SCI

When I was 15, I was injured and diagnosed as a C4 quadriplegic. At the time, it felt like my life was over before it even began. I couldn’t imagine a future for myself, especially with my body no longer functioning normally and my need to rely on others for physical assistance. I was overwhelmed by the thought of finding a job I could do independently to support myself. My initial fear was, “Who would want to hire me? I can’t even take care of myself,” I knew that any job requiring physical labor was unrealistic for me. I was at the end of my freshman year when I broke my neck. I hadn’t given much thought to my future or career aspirations before my accident.

After my injury, I returned to high school and managed to graduate alongside my friends. I was proud of that accomplishment because I could have taken a year off school to process what happened, but that would mean all my friends would finish high school before me, and I didn’t want that. Following high school, I pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and a master’s degree in Counseling. It took me nine years to achieve these degrees. I couldn’t have done it without the scholarships and resources available to me, particularly the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and the Swim with Mike Foundation (SWM). DOR’s mission is to support individuals with disabilities in obtaining an education and finding employment. The mission of Swim with Mike Foundation is to change the lives of student-athletes who have experienced catastrophic injury or illness by providing scholarships to go to school and community, purpose, and hope. They funded my college education and assisted with my job search.

Job hunting was a nerve-wracking experience, as I worried about being judged or rejected because of my disability. Despite my confidence in my abilities, I was anxious that employers might focus on my physical limitations. Fortunately, my experience was positive. I had only a few interviews before I was hired by a private practice in my area. I did my interview over Zoom and shared that I was in a wheelchair at the end of the interview. I felt that being upfront about my disability was important, as hiding it would be misleading and potentially disadvantageous. My honesty was appreciated by my employer, who saw it as a reflection of my character and a quality he valued in a candidate.

I have now been working at the practice for over a year and a half. I truly enjoy my job, and my boss has been incredibly supportive and accommodating of my needs. Although this injury drastically changed the trajectory of my life, it has also shifted my perspective. I’m thankful to live in an era where technology grants me greater independence, where people are increasingly understanding and accommodating toward those with limitations, and knowing that I am able to perform just as effectively as any other therapist in my role despite being in a wheelchair. 

Learn more about Employment for People with Disabilities.