National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of individuals with disabilities and to raise awareness about the importance of inclusive workplaces. As someone who has faced significant challenges due to a spinal cord injury, I have firsthand experience of the transformative power of work.
When I acquired my spinal cord injury, the first thing that came to my mind was my family. How was I going to care for my four young kids now? So much was unknown. It felt like my life ended. I feared I would never get to do the things I used to do.
In addition, I thought a lot about my self-worth and how a lot of it was related to or driven by success at work. This internal debate contributed to even more anxiety and depression.
Then I started my rehab program. Through talking to others with SCI and educating myself, I began to realize that I would be able to return to work. The more I thought about it, the more I realized I wanted that comfort and confidence that comes from providing for my family and knowing that I could continue adding value for my employer.
A supportive employer makes all the difference 
I was very fortunate to have the Coca-Cola Company as my employer at that time. They supported me during my rehabilitation, and they went the extra mile to make sure that everything was ready for me when I was ready to go back to work. They removed any obstacles that they could to make my work experience as enjoyable and as productive as it could be.
A week before I was due to return, my manager e-mailed me a list of all the things that he wanted me to focus on during my first month back. As I read through it, I thought, “Oh my God, what is this guy talking about? Doesn’t he realize that I just came through a traumatic experience?”
At first, I didn’t know if I could meet his expectations. But upon reflection, his email made me happy and energized. His list showed that he believed in me. And if he and the Coca-Cola Company believed in me, then I could, should, and had to believe in myself.
My manager’s list reminded me of my potential. It made me realize, little by little, that I still had the same talents and skills and all the characteristics that made the Coca-Cola company want me as an employee in the first place. Also, it boosted my self-esteem. Every challenge I overcame, every success, made me thirsty for my next challenge. All of a sudden, the sky was the limit.
On my first day back, I received a warm welcome from my employees and my whole team. It felt like I had an army supporting me and my efforts.
Returning to work was so important for my mental health and for the well-being of my family because it created a sense of normalcy. It showed us we were going to be OK, and that we would be able to continue doing the things that made us happy.
Pursue your employment dreams
As we celebrate National Disability Employment Month, I encourage individuals with disabilities to pursue their career aspirations and seek out supportive employers. This is why I am proud of United Spinal’s Workforce Readiness program that helps wheelchair users refine their resumes, sharpen their interview skills and become emboldened to pursue their employment dreams.
With the right opportunities, we can make significant contributions to our workplaces and communities. I also urge employers to create inclusive work environments that embrace diversity and accommodate the needs of employees with disabilities.
Let’s work together to break down barriers and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the workplace.
