Sarah was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (new window) in 2006. As she fought to realize her dream of becoming an interior designer, Sarah learned that the misconceptions of this disease can be just as challenging as the physical symptoms.
Sarah was already studying part-time at the when she first came to the ’s Job Focus program in 2008. Although she was employed part-time, she was going into debt to pay for her schooling. She was also struggling with health issues and her job was exacerbating her symptoms and affecting her school work. Although she had tried to get extra time to complete some of her tasks, Sarah encountered resistance and even ridicule from her teachers because she does not “look sick”. Even her doctor accused her of lying in order to take advantage of the system.
As a result of the backlash she faced, Sarah decided not to disclose her disability to anyone else. When it becomes obvious to people that she is in pain, she tells them she was in a car accident. Sarah believes in the “power of the mind” and, as she tells it, “If people believe I am disabled, then I am disabled”.
The staff at the helped Sarah a great deal. With the assistance of the Job Focus program’s Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant, also named Sara, she received funding to cover the portion of her education that was not paid for by her . When she had problems at home and thought she would need to find affordable housing, Sarah called Employment Specialist, Mike, whom she describes as “like family”.
We are pleased to announce that with the help of the Job Focus staff, Sarah has found an Interior Design job that she feels great about. We wish her success in her new career!
If you would like to make a donation to support others like Sarah, you may do so here.