Getting Ready

Before considering work options, ask yourself “Am I ready to get started?” Here are some factors to consider:

• Support system: Do the people around you, including your family, support your decision to find work? What other community support can you turn to? Identify friends or members of your support group who can encourage and listen to you.
• Health: Are there any health concerns that you need to deal with before you start work? Are you stable on the medication you take? Will you have the stamina to take on full or part-time work? What does your healthcare professional think about you joining the workforce?
• Getting around: Have you considered transportation options, costs and special arrangements? Options may include accessible public transportation, car pooling, transportation services for the disabled and vehicle modification.
• Childcare: Are you able to make arrangements for childcare? Do you have a backup plan if the child or caregiver is sick?
• Assistive technology: Do you possess the required technology or assistive devices? Examples include hands-free telephones, telephone devices for the deaf and voice-activated computers. If not, can you communicate effectively at work?
• Accommodation of needs: Do you know how your needs can be accommodated? Can you offer suggestions to meet your needs, such as automatic doors or ramps?
• Funding: Are you aware of any funding available to you or your potential employer? When employment begins, how will your current financial support be affected?
• Communication strategies: How can you enhance your communication with others? Will email, lipreading, or working with individuals or small groups work well for you?
• Contact number: Do you have access to a telephone? Can potential employers contact you?

An important part of your job search preparation is your attitude. Unlike your circumstances, this is one thing which you have absolute control over.

If you just had a negative experience at work or at school, you may need to reflect and review the experience with the help of a counsellor or support person before you move on.

If you are recently disabled, give yourself time to adapt to your new situation.  Do work through feelings of frustration, loss or anger, before you consider work options.