To be honest, I saw this coming a mile away. My employment specialist that I'd been working with for over a year now left the firm I'd been working with through Vocational Rehabilitation to become gainfully employed. I'm not sure why he left, but given how said firm is run, I can't say I blame him.
To be honest, the place felt less like an employment agency and more like a place where disabled folks are warehoused, almost like a day care for older, lower-functioning individuals. It is true that they also help some of them find employment, but more often than not, it's usually shit wage, part time employment with no chance in hell for advancement. I know what that's like, and it'll be a cold day in hell before I ever go back.
Those they cannot find employment for are often warehoused. As I mentioned before, it's like day care for them. I suppose I can understand the need for it to a point. It gives them a chance to socialize with others and gives them things to do for the day. That's all well and good, but not all people with disabilities need or even want that.
What those of us who are employable need are better avenues to gainful employment. What we get instead is the very opposite of that, not only because places such as Voc Rehab are overworked, understaffed and grossly underfunded (Thanks a lot, Rick), but due to that, we're often lumped under an umbrella and then thrown under the bus.
I understand that many disabled people work part time for various reasons involving their health and Social Security, but many of have skills and education that, barring a shitty nonexistent job market, would benefit employers immensely. I was able to hone my skills thanks in part to Voc Rehab, but finding employment is the bigger struggle.
With the loss of my employment specialist, my VR counselor and I will be going back to the drawing board. Here's to hoping we're able to find something better.
Addendum: I'm sure some of you might be thinking I'm putting down those who are, as some say, lower-functioning. Diaries like these can be very hard to....articulate. Disabilities come in all shapes and sizes, and some need greater help than others. I suppose I need a bit more help because I've never been great with people despite my ability to help them with my skills.
Sorry if I offended anyone.
See you around,
Homer