First of all, I am educated, I have a degree, and am also paralyzed.
I have been in the process of finding a job. I have been on lots of interviews, etc. This past Thursday, I had someone call from a hospital for an interview. We started to set one up for next week, and then she asked why I haven't worked for the last 2 years. I told her I am paralyzed and found out that I was pregnant, and it was recommended to stay home. She said well since you brought it up what level are you, and I told her, and she said so does that mean you will be working from a wheelchair. I said yes... Then she said I don't know if we can use you then in acute care, maybe if we needed someone in mental health it would be different. I am an Occupational Therapist Practitioner, and in the line of work I do, acute care is more hands on with patiends or more physical I should say. In a mental health setting it is me working with patients in a group, and not one on one so I can be independent in that setting.
I am capable of working in both settings independently, but she didn't even ask. AND what pushes my buttons is this woman is a therapist, and works with persons with disabilities. What the heck is she telling her patients??? We as therapists are supposed to be supportive and help overcome obstacles...
I know I am supposed to contact the EEOC first if I wanted to take any action. I guess what I wanted to know is...what happens when I do that? Would it be worth it? Is it even anything to contact the EEOC about? I would like to take this stand (or sit) for all people with disabilities. After all we are also human, and deserve the same rights as everybody else.
I have been in the process of finding a job. I have been on lots of interviews, etc. This past Thursday, I had someone call from a hospital for an interview. We started to set one up for next week, and then she asked why I haven't worked for the last 2 years. I told her I am paralyzed and found out that I was pregnant, and it was recommended to stay home. She said well since you brought it up what level are you, and I told her, and she said so does that mean you will be working from a wheelchair. I said yes... Then she said I don't know if we can use you then in acute care, maybe if we needed someone in mental health it would be different. I am an Occupational Therapist Practitioner, and in the line of work I do, acute care is more hands on with patiends or more physical I should say. In a mental health setting it is me working with patients in a group, and not one on one so I can be independent in that setting.
I am capable of working in both settings independently, but she didn't even ask. AND what pushes my buttons is this woman is a therapist, and works with persons with disabilities. What the heck is she telling her patients??? We as therapists are supposed to be supportive and help overcome obstacles...
I know I am supposed to contact the EEOC first if I wanted to take any action. I guess what I wanted to know is...what happens when I do that? Would it be worth it? Is it even anything to contact the EEOC about? I would like to take this stand (or sit) for all people with disabilities. After all we are also human, and deserve the same rights as everybody else.
