Cerebral Palsy Support Group

Hey lej82,

First, allow me say I am very sorry this happened to you.

I have had very similar things happen to me as well.

There are several things you can do as well as several questions you must ask yourself. The easiest thing to do is to just look for another job somewhere else. If you will continually have to have contact with the person who interviewed you, it would probably not be the happiest or most productive work environment.

Asks yourself if this is the place where you really want to work and, if so, you should contact this person’s direct supervisor explain what was said to you and why you disagree. If you encounter any resistance from the supervisor then kindly explain antidiscrimination laws in your state.

If you truly feel you were wrongly discriminated against you can contact an antidiscrimination lawyer.

Another question to ask yourself is if there truly are required duties on this job that having cp would impede or hinder you from successfully/adequately completing.

A job as a tight rope walker, ballet dancer, and most construction work is not suited for me or most people with CP.

So consider all of the above before you make a decision.

I have two quick but strange stories.

First, I applied at the department of behavioral health. The guy who interviewed me asked if I had a problem using stairs AFTER I obviously walked up the stairs directly behind him. Then he asked me several times if I needed a extra-large special ink pen and promised to provide any special equipment I may need if hired even though I repeatedly stated that I did not need any special equipment.

Clearly this dude had a problem with people with disabilities and I knew I wasn’t going to get that job.

Another time I applied for an internship at a hospital for the criminally insane and I was told that I may be at increased risk for assault by a short fat sickly man who died the following year, but the strangest part was that they accepted 2 young women and 1 elderly lady all under 5ft tall from my graduating class.

Both of these cases appeared to be direct cases of discrimination. But as I think back on it I really wouldn’t want to have a long-term career with either of those companies.

The sad thing is that the people who work in these professions are supposed to be more educated and understanding but clearly that is not reality.

I tell you these stories to simply say I understand because I have lived it

So my advice is to seek legal action if this incident was extremely important to you or you think they need to be punished for their actions

Overall just keep looking for employment, realizing that the world is full of idiots but not every employer will be like this one. And once you find a job then you will have the opportunity to shine and excel.

just keep looking, remain positive by focusing on your strengths, talents and accomplishments, and yes like the prev responder said, if that's something you'd be willing to do, don't hesitate to get informed and be active about anti-discrimination laws. if not for yourself, then maybe for the next person who applies. good luck and remember also how you really should be treated like any other person out there, who is nearly always far from the 'ideal' candidate for an employer.

i came out as disabled after getting employed at a desk job. my job description was getting smaller and smaller, i was cut out of activities available for the rest of the staff, and denied access to equipment to help my clients while another staff insisted on checking her email to flirt. i requested accomodations but was shrugged off and eventually fired for a random 'requirement' made at teh end of my time there that i *must* attend, once a week, the only office of 3 that *wasn't* wheelchair accessible. after giving them 3 months notice to request that accomodation, along with a doctor's letter, they blamed the landlord and i had to quit at that point.

anyway, even tho i thought my experience was 'special', apparently it wasn't such a great place to work, since the majority of staff had a turn around within a year after i left. just demonstrates what the prev writer said too.

anyway, well, taht's the story of my last job. based on taht i learned it's best to be up front from teh beginning, and make clear that you can do the duties involved like anyone else, for the job you think is best for you.

take care

Hey,

I am sorry this happened to you, I know it can be extremely difficult. I agree with the previous two writers in that if it is something you are extremely passionate about you should put up a fight. I had an experience in High School that I didn't fight and I wish I would have not for me, but to make sure it never happened to any one else. The last writer was correct not all employers are like that so just keep looking. I lucked out and right out of high school found a job that I really wanted and was even lucky enough that the supervisor gave me a chance regardless of my disability. She admitted to me later that she was nervous and had never really been around someone with any disability let alone someone who walked with a walker. You can teach people a lot about how you are just a person like everyone else and should be treated that way. I have been there for 3 years and am now in my old supervisor's position. Prior to that, I had applied for a nanny job and was basically told I had the job until they met me, then they said they decided to go another route. It was so hard to except because I knew I could have done a great job but honestly, I am so much happier now then I would have been doing that so just keep looking and keep your chin up during the process. Good Luck!

If physically you can do the job & mentally ur ok Then you might ask why you're not being hired .
I once applied for a job that called for typing 35 WPM I cant & the employer does NOT have to hire someone that dont satisfy requirements & I believe that's fair
God Bless

Out of curiousity what was the job for?

You know there are a lot of jobs even most "normal" people arent even capable of doing.

I know it will be hard but just wait and it will come.

I have Cerebral palsy and am out of work because of it.
I have had many, many jobs that cost me because of my cp.
You will find something. Don't give up.