Matching people to a purpose
As I get ready to go to work I sometimes think my sister who has cerebral palsy may never have this opportunity. The opportunity to be part of an organisation and enjoy what work brings to your day. This makes me think why not? She’s certainly capable in her way, how she is able to think and create, and surely she could be a valuable asset to an organisation as she is a valuable asset to our life.
I believe there is an assumption that everyone wants a “career”, but what does that actually mean? For my sister she always tells me she would love to go to work, I assumed she meant go to work Monday – Friday in a corporate environment, just like me. I was very wrong. Kim’s carer listened to her talk about work and soon identified it was more about having a purpose, something to get up for in the morning, making friends and making a contribution. I often hear employers say “it’s about getting the right job for people with disabilities”, isn’t this the same for everyone?
Kim’s carer took to social media and researched local charities and available opportunities. This led to Kim having a voluntary job once a week in a charity shop where she sorted the size tags into colours and numbers. This gave Kim a purpose, she began to learn how she was contributing to the charity by offering her valuable time. She made friends and surpassed her goals to get up in the morning and get ready to go to work, just like her sister. Social media helps to bridge the gap between those with disabilities and those who are able-bodied, in this situation it made the experience of searching for “work” positive and no different to that of an able-bodied person.
There is no denying the impact technology and social media has on our ability to connect with others. Social media is being used as a means to connect people with disabilities who may have shared similar life experiences. This connection creates a sense of community with those who know first-hand the struggles and challenges of living with a life-altering condition.
Social media is providing a platform for people with disabilities to voice how they can very easily integrate and add value to a workplace. Social media also allows people with disabilities a platform to educate the public about what it means to be disabled while allowing people with disabilities to become self-advocates without having to leave their own homes.
Leanne, thank you for sharing your thoughts and your sister's story. I believe that what Chantel Soumis is doing will resonate with you a lot, not sure if you two are connected??.
Head of Proposition Marketing at The Access Group ~ Building strong, creative propositions & GTMs based on intricate customer understanding.
6 年Thanks so much for sharing this story, Leanne Lamb. Everyone should have a chance at finding purpose, and I think it's all of our responsibility (personal and business) to open as many doors as possible, in as many ways as possible.
Senior Commercial Account Manager, Zellis
6 年Really well written. I hope that my nephew is able to contribute to society in the way Kim has one day. His CP and autism could be a blocker for some organisations but a door opener for others.
Mobile Phones - Retail, Consumer & Business Contracts, Handsets & Mobile Broadband Routers
6 年Very thought provoking Leanne & thank you for sharing this & awesome that Kim has found that sense of purpose & in doing so made us all stop & think about our perspectives in a world that can often be too busy to stop, listen, think about others & care.
Product Leader | HR | Payroll | Author of Zest | Leadership | Speaker | Writer | Podcast Host | DisruptHR
6 年Leanne, this is a wonderful story or #love and support. It was incredible to sit in the room with you last week and hear this. I'm looking forward to meeting Kim at work!