Working While Disabled: All About M.O.I. Versus the T.E.A.M. Access Approach
February 7, 2015September 5, 2020 / Ingrid Tischer
Dear Respironics Bi-Pap S/T,
I’m feeling like such a loser because I can’t get hired for even one job and all I’m suddenly hearing about is this big push for disabled people to get employed. And then there are disabled people like this guy who act like it’s just my attitude that’s the problem.
Signed,
Feeling like an Uninspired, Unmotivated Kid with a Disability
Dear FUUKD,
First, take a deep (assisted) breath. Now let’s get your head right: Go watch the late (god, I hate writing that) Stella Young’s epic take-down of inspiration porn.
Sure, you’re going to hear that all landing a job, or whatever, really takes for a disabled person is to adopt the All About M.O.I. approach. That narrative certainly has the charm of simplicity, plus it comforts you by giving you all the control. Meaning: If you’re not yet working, for example, it’s just that you’re not trying hard enough to:
Motivate yourself
Overcomerate your disability
Inspirate all who meet you with your “What, me disabled?” attitude
But there’s a more accurate name for this narrative: Magical thinking.
“As a Respironics Bi-Pap S/T, I support you venting [...]