Image Description: Trees and flowers along a path that is divided
Our street has been undergoing construction, and we have dealt with many closures, detours, and noise. Cars have had to take different routes to let the workers make the necessary repairs. I have also taken alternative routes on my walks to the gym or running errands. Walking a different way has led to discovering flowers that I did not know existed. also led to many twists and turns along the road. I needed alternatives to learn, work, and live, for the other routes were blocked. I have also had to deal with the noise of others, for being on a different road, but it has led me to be the person I am today.
The first detour I encountered on the path was learning. I had difficulty with math, reading comprehension, handwriting, and my eye-hand coordination. I needed to have specialty instruction to be able to learn, based on my needs. I had difficulty with taking tests and could not keep information. I had to have extra test time and to have the test read aloud to give my brain time to process and comprehend the information. The testing accommodations also allowed me to be in all regular education classes, except for math in high school.
I worked hard to be in the regular education classes. I would review my notes and quiz myself every night. I would also make sure that I did the homework and bonus assignments if offered. The hard work paid off, and I was able to make honor roll for four years in a row.
My peers and some adults made a racket about my disability. My peers thought that I was getting the answers and we did simple work in learning support. The work may have been easy for them, but for me even basic math is a challenge. I also had adults who did not think that I was trying hard enough and that I should be pushed harder.
I added a note taker, a calculator, and tutoring to my accommodations in college. The clamour continued in college, with faculty and students not supportive of accommodations. When I asked for a calculator in a math class, I was told we use our brains in this class, not calculators. I also had staff tell me that I would have limited job choices when I graduated. My peers thought I was cheating if I had extra time on tests. Others gave more muffled digs, telling me I needed to try harder or think more positively and I would be successful. I had to learn to ignore the ruckus and use the accomodations. My test scores and grades improved when I used the supports.
Employment has been another turn in the road. I found it hard to find steady employment after college and worked temporary jobs in schools. I thought that using a job placement agency for people with disabilities would help. The agency secured jobs and training for people with higher support needs. I can remember having to turn down a substitute position to go for an appointment. At the appointments, I worked on menial tasks, such as circling jobs of interst in the newspaper. I remember thinking I could do this at home.
It was a surprise for me to find my current job as a permanent paraprofessional. When I applied, I thought that I would only get hired as a substitute. I have been with my current employer for fifteen years. I find it rewarding to work with students, who have disabilities.
Not driving has also been a challenge in my life. My visual perception issues make driving not possible. I have a support system that can take me where I need to go. I also live in a central location, where I can walk to where I need to go if I cannot get a ride. The pictures I take on my walks are another unexpected turn. I found that I can notice flowers and other details I miss while driving.
The road work did not last forver, and the end led to a smoother street. The workers paved a road, that is easier to walk on. The road of life with a disability has not always been a straight one. I have had obstacles with learning and needed supports to graduate. I also had twists with employment, and it took time to find a job that was the right fit. I may not drive, but I will find a way. My disability may stay, but the difficulties in the road do not last. Often times it clears the path, for progress. At least until I hit another bump. The road may be different and have extra barriers, but it leads to where I want to be. Others may not always understand that this right one for me and try to lead me off route. I cannot control what others say or think. I am traveling on the road that I am supposed to walk on and managing the hurdles in the way.
