Shultz: Keep Your Skills Sharp--the Right Job Will Come Along

In October we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month by spotlighting people with disabilities who are out in the workforce.

Christy Shultz on the job as a substitute teacher in Charlotte County Public Schools

Christy Shultz is originally from Annapolis, Maryland, but currently lives in Punta Gorda with her family.

Christy works as a substitute teacher for Charlotte County Public Schools. Before that she was a Youth Transition Coordinator for students with disabilities who were transitioning to post-secondary education and/or life. "I worked with these students on job readiness skills and taught them the importance of self-advocacy in the workplace."

When she's not in the classroom, Christy enjoys spending time with her 4-year-old nephew, going to the beach, or reading.

Employers: Charlotte County Public Schools; Gulf Coast Center for Independent Living

Current Position: Substitute Teacher

Years on the job: 3

What is the best advice or encouragement you’d give to a fellow self-advocate about accessing or keeping employment? If you are someone with a disability who is seeking employment, the best piece of advice I can give you is not to give up. It sounds trite, but honestly, sticking with it is half the battle. There is no “perfect” job for anybody, but the right job will come around, and it will be just the right job for you. While you are searching for a job, though, remember not to get complacent. Keep your skills sharp so that when that one job does come along, though, you will be the best candidate. Don’t be afraid to network. It is not what you know, it is who you know.

What advice would you give employers about hiring a person with a disability? I would say this --do not be fearful. Most people with a disability have had to adapt and overcome certain situations. We may need accommodations but with those accommodations we can still be successful. An employer can be so helpful if they are just open minded and not afraid to ask questions to learn how they can help the employee be successful. 

In your opinion, how does employing a person with a disability help their quality of life? I love being able to get out and work; it allows me to share my talents. No pun intended here, but I want to teach the students I see in the classroom that just because I have a disability, it doesn’t mean I cannot have a meaningful life. Even more than that, though, I hope I can inspire students. If they see me working in the community, even though it might be difficult at times, they will realize they can also accomplish challenging tasks!

What’s the most important employment-related challenge you face as a person with a disability? As anybody with a disability is keenly aware, you will undoubtedly face challenges. For me, the biggest challenge is transportation. Due to my disability, I cannot have a driver’s license, and I cannot take the county public transit because they are not allowed on any school property.

Which agency (VR, APD, CIL, etc.) was the most helpful to you in accessing and maintaining employment? I have worked with the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities and the CDC+ waiver program to secure funding for a wheelchair-accessible van modification. 

How should we be advocating for better employment opportunities and practices in Florida? Since the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, there has been progress in the disability employment space. However, there is still a long way to go—the disability community as a whole needs to meet with legislators to share our stories. We are the experts in disabilities, which shape our everyday lives. Personally, I would enjoy creating disability job trainings for employers. After all, these employers may not be familiar with the needs of those with disabilities. As the saying goes – Nothing about us without us. 

Florida Self-Advocacy Central would like to thank Christy for her time and thoughtful answers.