Megan, who is Indigenous and lives in Prince Albert, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a child and uses a motorized wheelchair. Megan also has generalized anxiety and depression.
Megan learned about Neil Squire from social media and joined our Creative Employment Options (new window) program in May.
Her work history consisted of various non-profit organizations, and she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, specializing in Aboriginal Justice and Criminology. She updated her resume and learned to tailor cover letters to job interests.
Megan benefited from employment and personality assessments, where she was able to explore different career options that were suitable for her skillset. She learned about effective networking practices and how to maintain her well-being at home and work. Because of a negative experience at a past job, she developed a strong fear of rejection and doing something wrong.
鈥淚 just liked the overall helpfulness of everyone. It was nice to know that there was always someone there to help, and I didn鈥檛 feel hesitant in asking for help,鈥 she says. 鈥淧eople tend to view a disability like, oh they can鈥檛 do that so their life must be less than. I try not to look at life that way. I may do things differently or look at life differently, but it doesn鈥檛 mean there鈥檚 any less value to my being.
鈥淚 really appreciate the staff at Neil Squire because it鈥檚 refreshing to be in a place where you can really make a mistake and not be scared of yourself making the mistake.鈥
She was able to increase her confidence by learning about self-confidence-boosting strategies and being in a supportive environment.
Megan practiced interview questions and thoroughly prepared for interviews. She became so confident that she attended a work placement interview at a local branch of a mental health non-profit.
The Executive Director was so impressed that they offered her the work placement. Megan attended her scheduled shifts and worked hard to exhibit empathy, patience, and an excellent work ethic. Upon completion of the work placement, the Executive Director offered her a position as a Program Assistant.
Megan will be responsible for communicating with visitors, assisting with and facilitating activities such as crafts and games, as well as other duties as assigned.
When discussing work, Megan expresses that she wants 鈥渢o be as positive as possible, and hopefully, everyone else feels that positive energy, and it鈥檚 a productive day for everyone.鈥
November is Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM). Indigenous peoples of Canada experience a disability rate significantly higher than that of the general population. IDAM brings awareness of these barriers and the issues that Indigenous peoples living with disabilities and their families face every day.
