In honor of Disability Pride Month (yes it’s a thing, people!) I would like to offer my perspective on what it is like to work while having a disability. I also want to point out that my experiences are my own and may not reflect what other people with disabilities go through.

Getting a first job out of high school or college is daunting for anyone, let alone disabled individuals. For those with no medical insurance, we have to rely on Medicaid for medical treatments and equipment. Many states and the federal government have income requirements for their Medicaid programs, I can go on and on forever about this, but basically, not only do we have to find a job, we have to find a job that pays us well enough, and provides benefits. For a first job, that’s rare these days.

After getting a job that pays you well and provides benefits, now you must make sure the job fits you. Some jobs are more physical than employers say in their job descriptions, or your work area might be difficult to maneuver (which was the case for me, a lot!). Hopefully, your workplace will accommodate you but even still, the amount of anxiety I felt by being accommodated sucked, I always felt in the way or made people’s jobs more difficult than they needed to be.

Now, I can gladly say I work at a place that makes me feel at home. I have been a virtual executive assistant for 8 years. Whether it be in the government, finance, or tech sector I have been assisting and building businesses from the comfort of my home. One of my current employers (I have several because I like the challenge) is SAGE Executive Assistants. They found me clients, so I didn’t have to search, they consistently check in with me to see how I am doing, and if I need to have some medical stuff done, I don’t have to stress about missing work because they understand! I just want to thank my bosses Kendria and GiGi for trusting me with clients, your business, and your success. Thank you to you both for letting me talk about my experiences.

Being disabled is hard, but I am proud of it. I would rather have cerebral palsy than my friends or family have it. I am glad I have found a place that can help me achieve my dreams; buy a house, and car, and be self-sufficient. I like to get up, work, and earn what is mine. I would say the entirety of the disabled community does.  I read a quote that read, “Disability Pride is many things. It’s a chance for disabled people to declare their inherent self-worth, something that isn’t often done by individuals outside of the community. It’s a chance for the disabled community to come together, uplift, and amplify one another.”- Jessica Ping-Wild

Take pride in being disabled and know that there are places out there that are willing to help you. To SAGE and all the businesses that hire and CARE about us, thank you.

Anthony has worked for SAGE Executive Assistants since August 2021.  He is available to assist you with your business and takes great pride in his work. We are proud to have him be a part of the SAGE team. To learn more about Anthony, visit: https://sageexecutiveassistants.com/anthony/

You can also book an appointment to add him to your team.