Communication is Key to Successful employment for Stoner
In October we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month by spotlighting people with disabilities who are out in the workforce.
Shelby Stoner is a self-advocate from Tampa who began working for The Grow Group while participating in on-the-job training through Vocational Rehabilitation (VR).
As a Vocational Evaluator she helps people assess their skills, abilities, and interests to help them find the career that’s right for them.
When she is not working, she enjoys reading, going to baseball games, listening to music, and spending time at the beach.
Employer: The Grow Group
Current Position: Vocational Evaluator
Years on the job: 2
Duties and Responsibilities: I help clients answer the question What do I want to be when I grow up through interviews where I learn more about their background, experiences, and career goals. I use this information and the results of other assessments to make recommendations to VR.
What is the best advice or encouragement you’d give to a fellow self-advocate about accessing or keeping employment? I would encourage people to have an open and honest conversation with their employer about accommodations from the very beginning, and especially when issues arise. If you’re experiencing a challenge, be open with your employer, explain the situation, provide as much detail as possible, and see if you can work together to come up with a solution.
My employer has been very supportive, so I’ve learned that open communication can make a big difference. I think the keys to successful employment for people with disabilities are having open communication with your employer, loving what you do, and setting realistic expectations for yourself. For example, I know that I cannot work a standard 40-hour job, so I have to be realistic about what works for me and what I need to be successful.
What advice would you give employers about hiring a person with a disability? I think it comes down to having an open line of communication, patience, and empathy. But employers shouldn’t change the expectations of the job. Employers should treat employees with disabilities just like any other employee. At the same time, employers should have a conversation with their employee about what supports and accommodations they need to be successful.
What’s the most important employment-related challenge you face as a person with a disability? One employment-related issue I face is having physical stamina. My brain works faster than my body.
Which agency (VR, APD, CIL, etc.) was the most helpful to you in accessing and maintaining employment? That would be Vocational Rehabilitation and then The Grow Group. VR connected me with the Grow Group’s job coaches and that's how I actually ended up working there. In my opinion, Vocational Rehabilitation is the gold standard when it comes to employment with a disability.
How should we be advocating for better employment opportunities and practices in Florida? I think it’s important to get out there and let people know that, even though we have disabilities, we can still contribute to society with the proper accommodations and supports. Yes, we may have a disability, but our disability is not all of who we are. I don’t introduce myself as “Shelby with CP.” I say, “I’m Shelby. I’m a daughter, a wife, and an aunt. I love to travel and read, and I love what I do. I also happen to have a disability.”
My disability is only one small part of who I am, not all of me. I think it’s important to show people that people with disabilities have talents, interests, goals, and something positive to contribute to society. With the right accommodations and supports, we can live full, meaningful lives and make valuable contributions to our communities.
In your opinion, how does working impact a disabled person's quality of life? It gives me a sense of purpose. I have a goal, and I feel fulfilled because I’m helping other people and contributing to society in a positive way. I feel like I’m making a difference, whether that’s through helping others, sharing my experiences, or leading by example.
I want to show people that just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you can’t live a full and meaningful life. I’m doing everything I can to live life to the fullest, and being able to work, contribute, and help others makes me feel fulfilled. It gives me a sense of purpose and makes me feel like I’m living a full life.
Florida Self-Advocacy Central would like to thank Shelby for her time and thoughtful answers.
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