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Bravo to the Government of Canada for the programs set in place worked over the last 20 years or so for making it so those who would typically otherwise not access higher education were able to follow a path formerly available to most often the exceptional and the rich. The trick is now the underdogs have made it through to their 20s, 30s, 40s and are resilient people with a voice. So, I share with you three steps that are repeated constantly along the way to build resilience:
Step 1: Gather information about the new normal
Step 2: Assume this is the new normal to work within
Step 3: Find constructive ways to work the new normal within your reality
This resilient type of human is also one who will hunt down every last human to make sure all the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed to get to where they need to be and the devices they need to get there. It is not handed to them by any stretch of the imagination — it is every bit earned.
The Government of Canada has provided programs that were accessible to the few and lucky. If a program existed, the government required a mountain of paperwork that even paperwork wizards even balk at. So, unless you met the right person, you were on your own. This creates resilient beings because it becomes up to one person to gather it all up in hopes that their application is strong enough for another human being to say yes. That’s where support and navigation networks of today are of benefit. It is really thanks to the government for financing this type of work as support and education work was traditionally women's work and therefore largely went underpaid. It was wise of the government to provide funding so money could be aligned with value to have the helpers available to provide accommodations.
A question here is: who is responsible for accommodations on the continuum? In theory, the government with the almighty healthcare system. In reality, that is often not the case. Those who require the most money to live fully functional are destined to make the least in our current societal structure. Unless you are resilient as f*ck.
In school, a common accommodation is having more time for tasks or hiring note takers. How does that translate in the real world? I always had the opposite problem but often how did that work out in the demanding world for those who needed more time. Who takes notes for the person in the work world? I worry for them. Now there are programs that employers can sign up for, but is that enough? Is it the responsibility of the employee or the employer? What happens to these folk?
So, after struggling through education, this person is sent out into the universe of employers where it is discovered that most employers do not have the same flex and idealism as higher education institutions. It is even worse so for those who move back home, and for some reason, especially rural areas. So, now there is a mountain of student debt and employers who do not have the same supports professors did at universities and colleges. Now they are also an educated human and no longer a child at the mercy of parents and schools, you start to see the world for how it really is and the way you are treated, even unintentionally. Unless you have an advocate on your side of some sorts, you have to stand up for yourself more often than most. Often times, it is just way easier to be quiet and keep your head down just to keep moving forward.
So, now you are in a full-time job that does not allow nearly the same level of accommodations experienced in school, probably starting a family without accommodations, and trying to do it all while attending medical appointments without drowning in the mounting educational and medical debts. If you are lucky, you have a partner. If not… I send you much love and strength.
So what now, Government? Burdened with student loans, medical debts, family responsibilities, various workplace situations, and general life expectations. Is there a breaking point? Is there a solution? You helped us get here… but we really got here ourselves all the while cursing the truth of the worry that was in the back of our minds as the numbers never really added up. Good thing you have taught us to be resilient, dear Government.
So now, there is a generation of angry people leaving academia and high paying jobs in droves because they can no longer bear the treatment and exhaustion. The gilded handcuffs of promised private insurance cannot even keep the brightest of birds caged. Private and public disability systems feel the burden for those fortunate enough to fall into one of those pockets. It is incredible how many fall between the cracks though. Those between the cracks are the daffodils of the disability world, that is if they do not die out. We will survive as always because of all people, the underdogs are actually the best prepared. The underdogs find ways to thrive: we open businesses, we support family and spouses, we find a way.
Right now, the world is creating disability-like barriers for many folks for the first time in their lives. It is okay, this is normal and we say welcome to reality where everything is hard earned (and exhausting). Worry pas though, you will learn to be resilient too because that is the name of the game: figuring out a way regardless of barriers. There is always a way to start where you are and build from there. Resilience always pays off. There is always a way.
Picture of wall taken in St. John’s Newfoundland in 2011 by Amanda Rose Horsman.
References that came to mind in writing this article:
Jacobs, M. (Ed.). (2002). Is Anyone Listening?: Women, Work, and Society. Womens Press.
Morris, Stuart. 2019. “Workplace accommodations for employees with disabilities in Canada, 2017.” Canadian Survey on Disability Reports no. 89–654-X. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/89-654-x/89-654-x2019001-eng.htm
Turcotte, Martin. 2014. “Persons with disabilities and employment.” Insights on Canadian Society. December. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 75–006-X. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/75-006-x/2014001/article/14115-eng.htm
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