Job Interviews

So as I have mentioned before I work as a dog walker. Getting a new client is always interesting. First they email me and I email them back and "come out" as disabled as well as explain what services I offer. It's about a 50/50 chance whether they will email me back after I disclose my true identity. If they do email back we set up a meeting.

It's funny once we get to the meeting part, everyone has been super cool about my CP. I make my aide whip out my letter board so I can talk directly to the person. I then show them how I walk dogs with my chair - because I know they are thinking "how the hell does this work?" After I get hired or after I decide I want to walk the dog (I have met some psycho dogs) I mostly do all further communication via email. This works great.

I think the coolness of my clients is partly because they are in there 20's and 30's and professionals but mostly because my attitude toward my CP. I come into every interview like "Yes I have CP but it doesn't effect my job ability." I think my clients are calmed by my attitude. Some people with disabilities want employers to ignore their disability. I believe this attitude makes people uncomfortable because the disability becomes the huge pink elephant in the room.