New Path Made

Thought to share what happened at work today. Had the opportunity to see the administrator of the organization that I work at. The whole floor was in a conference room introducing ourselves. The administrator was talking how to the organization even better, why he loves the job and the people, etc. I tried to interpret for a Deaf coworker. I have an associate degree in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies, and no interpreter was provided (not as easy as you may think). After the meeting, I asked the administrator about the disability accommodation process.

Before I move on, let me give short version of how I got the job. Started in July of 2022. I received an email for a job offer. I took it and made very clear (at least three time) that I needed accommodations due to my severe speech impairment (fused jawbone). In August, I left my old job to get ready for the new one. Received call, the Friday before I was supposed to start on the following Tuesday, that I could not start my job. Did receive accommodation form until week after. Three months later, received call on another Friday, from my previous work location, that I was being transferred to another location.

A year and a half later (today), The administrator gave me an update on what the committee has been doing since I emailed them (several times before they responded back every few months) my story about the situation. He gave his condolences again (through emails + first meeting face to face) and reassured me that this will never happen again.

Unfortunately, situations like this happen to me too often. I probably could have sued them for this, but I didn’t see the good in that. I could be mad about it, but that would add more pressure on my shoulders. That’s why I made sure to let someone know in hopes that it will never happen again.

Even the smallest step can make a big difference.

Have a good one.

M.E.A.A.