Looking for employment can be hard for most people, but for a person with a disability the task is often more daunting.
Three years ago life for Jeanne took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. She was unable to walk for one year. Through her positive attitude and sheer determination, Jeanne’s health started to improve and she began to regain her strength. Wanting again to be independent and “get back to the workforce”, she looked agencies that would assist her in the quest and accommodate her particular disabilities. A friend suggested EmployAbilities.
Jeanne attended the Call Centre/Customer Service Representative Training Program at EmployAbiltiies where she began to learn new skills that essentially enhanced her abilities. With the support of EmployAbilities, Jeanne successfully overcame challenges by developing new skills, managing her disability and responding positively to attitudinal barriers.
Through the personal development skills component of the training, Jeanne realized that she had developed interpersonal skills over her lifetime and that these skills were her strengths. Applying this when researching future job choices, Jeanne was able to target her job search.
During the six months’ training she was able to focus on her skills and abilities by taking stock of her personal strengths and weaknesses, then capitalizing on the best just like anyone else. This included recognizing her limitations and researching career options that would allow for any accommodations she needed.
Upon graduation, Jeanne secured employment at EmployAbilities Partners Call Centre and continued to enhance her skills and gain experience. Today Jeanne is employed at Iposis Reid as a Supervisor managing various contracts.
“It is my personal belief that there is a place for everyone in this world. Now that I am employed at Ipsos Reid…I have never been happier! I would also like to add how grateful I am to the staff at EmployAbiltiies for their constant support and encouragement and believing in me when I had difficulty believing in myself.”
