United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I hope no one takes offense to this question, your responses would help out a lot.

I'm Cindy mom to Melanie (4.5) and Matthew (3) (both right bpi).

I'm currently working on my MBA. Our group paper is focusing on hiring and retaining employees in small businesses. I have found research that supports advantages of hiring disabled individuals. Can you all shed some light on this for me. Give me your opinions, qualities you bring to the table? Any responses would be appreciated.

Thanks.
Cindy

Well I don't know if I can speak for everyone, but I can tell you that in my career, what I brought to the table that was different from most of my colleagues, was a sense of compassion and an innate flexibility. I was a good problem solver because I could see ways AROUND a situation and often brought in ideas not considered by anyone else that became good compromise solutions. I think living with a disability gives one these skills.

Nancy

Nancy
What you are speaking about is very consistent with the research we've found. It's nice be able to actually speak with people about it, rather than to rely on what you read.

Thanks.
Cindy

i think the way we react to things and the way we say things is differnt.

There was a guy in work the other week who had tow "arm" you know what i mean. he said "you'll get used to this trying to juggle and find your money." i didn't laugh wsn't funny i do it every day of the week. he said i was probably to younf to understand what he meant. so i turned round and said i do it efery day and can only use omne hand!. i think sometimes we're a bit more up front about it as well rather than hiding it( but not always!)

Cindy
Sorry I am late with this response. I think Nancy hit it right on the head.

I feel that creativity, flexibility and persistence were key to my ability to preform at work and in most areas of my life. Disabled people are challenged when it comes to ordinary tasks that they bring to the workplace their natural ability to cope under stress and to compensate for constant challenges.

Kathleen M

Hello....I want to add my "2 cents". Everything Nancy and Kathleen said is exactly my experience 100%. I am LOBPI and now 66yr. old.
Carolyn J

Kathleen,

No need to apologize for lateness, I appreciate the response.

Cindy

Everyone,
Thank you so much for your responses.

Cindy