Tag: self-knowledge

Dear Hiring Manager: All the Disability-Related Skills I Can’t Put on My Resume

Not all of the students collegiate disability service providers work with will be as gutsy, or articulate about their disability as Sarah Blahovec, but they can learn something from her.

Sarah was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age 15. She graduated from college summa cum laude and has had difficulty finding a job. As an individual with a disability, she has acquired unique skills, including the ability to manage multiple doctors’ appointments, understand complicated treatment information, clearly communicate, and multitask.

Sarah wrote a “Dear Hiring Manager” cover letter that included all of her disability-related skills that she felt did not fit in her resume. She notes that many employers and human resource professionals see her disability and become doubtful of her strengths, skills, and efficiency. But Sarah is not her disability. It is a part of her that has enabled her to acquire a marketable set of skills.

The full story can be found at, Dear Hiring Manager: All the Disability-Related Skills I Can’t Put on My Resume, The Blog, Feb. 24, 2015, (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sarah-blahovec/dear-hiring-manager-all-the-disability-related-skills-i-cant-put-on-my-resume_b_6732922.html)

How Well Do You Know Yourself?

Going to college can be exciting and challenging for any student. For students who have never had to advocate for themselves, the transition from high school to college can be difficult.

The answers to each of these five questions can help students with disabilities transitioning to college better understand themselves and their needs. In addition, the answers can also help them be better prepared  to meet with  disability service provide

  • What type of person are you now and do you want to be in the future?
  • Can you describe your disability or disabilities and whether you have documentation?
  • How do you learn best in the classroom and in daily life?
  • What accommodations, including any assistive technology or adaptive equipment, did you receive or try in high school and/or daily life?
  • How and when do you advocate for yourself?

 

Questions courtesy Tom Heffron, the education director of disability services and financial aid at the Wisconsin Technical College System,