Overcoming Barriers to Employment

Key wellness/self-care/productivity strategies mentioned (employment support)

• Identify your real barriers and plan around them

  • Example barrier: transportation — seek stable transportation before employment.
  • Look for jobs that are accessible and that can realistically accommodate your needs.

• Choose employment that matches your physical accessibility

  • Don’t force yourself into roles that aren’t practical for your body (e.g., wheelchair limitations affecting shelf reach, cashier space, or drive-through window reach).
  • Focus on positions where you can actually perform the tasks.

• Use structured job-search support (process matters)

  • Work through a guided employment pathway rather than expecting an automatic outcome.
  • Support included:
    • Resume support (making sure it’s ready for employers)
    • Mock interviews
    • Help completing job applications (hands-on, not just referrals)

• Practice “due diligence” while still accepting help

  • Even with support, you still must actively complete applications, interviews, and follow through on the plan to reach your goal.

• Advocate for accommodations and seek organizations that follow through

  • Prior experiences with employers/company support may be unhelpful (“run around,” long waits, unclear support).
  • The positive shift is a provider that cares and takes action, including funding/training support.

• Pursue independence tools to remove recurring stressors

  • Funding for:
    • Driving training
    • Van driving adaptations (hand controls)
  • Goal: reduce reliance on others and improve consistency in getting to work.

Presenters / sources

• Jasmine Long — Employment Specialist, Pride Industries
• Pride Industries — Workforce Inclusion Team / employment services (via referral)
• Carol — Employment Specialist (referred by Workforce Inclusion team)