Good Morning.

Anyway I know I should prolly put this in the jobs wanted board but it's relevant to the disabled group so I put it here.

Anyway, I'm looking for admin work at the moment but I'm having problems because of being disabled and most employers these days don't want disabled employees even though I have over 2 years admin experience and typing qualifications! :loopy: :rant:

Can anyone help? I can provide a full up to date copy of my CV to anyone who wishes to see it.

Tell me bout it mate, every employer I've filled in application forms for have said thanks but no thanks. I've given up looking.

Shaw trust tho are meant to help but not done much for me I couldn't have done myself but might be worth a go

As far as I know though the closest Shaw trust place is in Thorne! Bit far to travel IMO.

I've been to their place in Thorne though, it's a Factory which makes stuff cheaply, and pays less than minimum wage cos it's specifically for disabled, I know I'll get flamed for this but I've done something similar before having spent a week at Reclaim on Claywheels Lane a few years back, and it wasn't suitable for me, too noisy, too mucky and I didn't like being stood up all day.

I can't see why any reasonable person would want to flame you for that comment! Just because you're disabled it doesn't mean you have to do something you obviously dislike, just 'cos it's provided for disabled people!

Have you tried the Civil Service at Moorfoot? They always used to have vacancies for temporary admin staff, and a temporary job could sometimes lead to permanent. Might be worth a shot.

In the end it all comes down to perception you are what you perceive yer sen to be. my sis is paraplegic has a 23 grand a year job and hates to be classed as disabled. Some people are born moaners,


Sos and all that but thats the way you come across Rich

GL note

Ok, let's nip this in the bud before it gets offhand. This group is about people wanting friendly advice and help. Opinions about specific forummers should be kept away from here; it doesn't help.

If you don't have anything constructive to say, please don't.

I can't see why any reasonable person would want to flame you for that comment! Just because you're disabled it doesn't mean you have to do something you obviously dislike, just 'cos it's provided for disabled people!

Have you tried the Civil Service at Moorfoot? They always used to have vacancies for temporary admin staff, and a temporary job could sometimes lead to permanent. Might be worth a shot.

To be honest, there won't be any permanent places coming up through the Civil Service after temporary contracts, due to the axe which is falling with regard to jobs there.

That said, it's certainly no reason not to go on the temporary register, and for up to a year, if summat turns up after that, you could be working permanently, Rich. It's always easier to get a job, if you have one. That first bit can be difficult though.

Always remember that the DDA is on your side.

Rich, have you tried Bridge Employment? http://www.bridgeemployment.org.uk/job.html

There's a Shaw Trust in Doncasters town centre, I've been there a few times, why not give them a call see if theres anything similar but closer to you?

There's a Shaw Trust in Doncasters town centre, I've been there a few times, why not give them a call see if theres anything similar but closer to you?

I think theres one in Sheff centre near Moorfoot.

I'm not sure whether this post will be helpful or not....but here we go. :)

Do you define yourself in terms of disability? Because if you do, that will show. For example, I currently have occasionally impaired mobility due to an Achilles Tendon problem and an 'on the mend' torn knee cartilage. It can be a fairly major problem in terms of limping around the place, but as I spend most of my day sat on my bum it doesn't amtter too much.

Look at the qualities and skills you have that are saleable. Emphasise them. Identify aspects of your disability that would get in the way of working. For example, if your disability (Asperger's, for example) gets in the way of social interaction, look towards jobs where that's a minimal part of the work. All jobs involve some apsects of communication, but not all jobs have communications at the core. When an interview comes along, that's when the opportunity will exist for teh company and you to determine whether or not your disability is likely to be an 'issue'.

For example, in my line of work I can often go through a day and talk to no one outside of a few questions of a very 'functional' nature - i.e. Does x need to do Y?, How does Z work?, etc.

Never define yourself in terms of what you can't do on your CV - if a company needs people that must have particular physical / intellectual / behavioural needs then they'll let you know soon enough - either they'll ask for it on the application form or you'll not get through teh interview.

But push your skills and gifts - don't hold yourself back.

I have tried being open about my IBS and how it affects me, but no emplyer wants someone who might need to dash of at a seconds notice and doesn't know how long episodes are going to last :(

The reason I probably come across as a bit of a grumbler about being disabled is because the likes of my Dad are constantly telling me to remember I'm disabled and not aim above my station with regard to the kind of jobs I'm going for.

OK the man's me Dad and all but sometimes I could cheerfully throttle him when he comes out with stuff like that, after all I've done these "disabled specific" kind of jobs, they're all stuff like Reclaim and Remploy type Factories and history has shown that they are not suitable for me.

And I'm not being funny but I fail to see how somewhere like Reclaim, where you're stood at a conveyor belt of recycled coke cans all day in a noisy, mucky environment can be classed as suitable for disabled people?! :loopy:

This is obviously a 'live issue' right now - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6288812.stm

Rich - that's exactly what I was saying. Like all of us you've got some limitations that stop you working in some fields. But focus on the things you CAN do.

I do though, I have almost every computing certificate there is bar a Degree, from courses I've done over the years so I'm not unqualified, and have tried to tailor my job applications towards stuff I have experience in but aside from the disability issue I have come up against the fact that the students are taking all the good admin jobs at the moment, and also the fact that the kind of jobs that have a low income so as not to have a detrimental effect on my benefits are jobs that I'm realistically too old for at 31 cos they want School leavers.

I am THIS close to saying "sod it" and giving up, everything I try fails.

Rich, I don't know you - only through your posts on here, but from what you've said you certainly come across as someone who has a lot to offer an employer.

I do though, I have almost every computing certificate there is bar a Degree, from courses I've done over the years so I'm not unqualified, and have tried to tailor my job applications towards stuff I have experience in but aside from the disability issue I have come up against the fact that the students are taking all the good admin jobs at the moment, and also the fact that the kind of jobs that have a low income so as not to have a detrimental effect on my benefits are jobs that I'm realistically too old for at 31 cos they want School leavers.

I am THIS close to saying "sod it" and giving up, everything I try fails.


Rich, never give up. Give yourself a good giggle and enjoy my litany of screwed-upness. http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showpost.php?p=2303459&postcount=35

:)

I do though, I have almost every computing certificate there is bar a Degree, from courses I've done over the years so I'm not unqualified, and have tried to tailor my job applications towards stuff I have experience in but aside from the disability issue I have come up against the fact that the students are taking all the good admin jobs at the moment, and also the fact that the kind of jobs that have a low income so as not to have a detrimental effect on my benefits are jobs that I'm realistically too old for at 31 cos they want School leavers.

I am THIS close to saying "sod it" and giving up, everything I try fails.

To be honest, I can see a lot in that. For various reasons over the last few years I've been at an intolerably low ebb, and there are all sorts of reasons why it can be difficult to 'smash' your way in, let alone have the 'get up and go' to try at times.

One can be (as you mentioned in another thread, which I've not checked since I posted yet) your finances, as well as confidence, (with people or the work, or new things), not to mention all sorts of other things.

I think Joe speaks wisely when he says look at what you CAN do. They're easy words to say, I know, but sometimes difficult to hear (no pun intended :blush:).

I'll send you a PM.

working for most people isn't really a choice, and can mostly be a bit of a drag...

i think that the resentment towards those on benefits from some forummers stems from the perception that the 'benefitees' are able to 'choose' whether they work or not.

An example would be if a low paid admin or factory job came up, and the person didnt want to do it, as it would barely offer an advantage to living off the benefits.

completely understandable...

but that is sadly what a huge number of people have to do.

Of course, a lot of people would love to find gainful employment at a place you liked, with people you liked, for a nice tidy wage, but life isn't like that. I wish it was. It can be, eventually, but there is a 'grind' to get thru first, and that is what you have to accept, disabled or not. Equal opportunities unfortunately means equal ball ache...!

Good luck to all seeking employment.

An example would be if a low paid admin or factory job came up, and the person didnt want to do it, as it would barely offer an advantage to living off the benefits.


If a person is claiming Job Seekers Allowance they are forced to take available work or lose their benefits, so the above would not be true.

People who are on disability benefits of one kind or another generally want to work (those who potentially could - there are of course a significant number who could not realistically work, at least not until their health improved), but they face a different kind of problem. Someone who has been out of work for some time due to illness or disability will often find it hard to know in advance whether they will be able to manage a particular job or not - there is a risk that after a few months it will become apparent that they cannot manage and will need to go back on benefits. The problem here is that benefit claims can take an age to sort out, so it's not as simple as thinking "well, it turns out that I wasn't ready to go back to work, so I'll just re-start my benefits". You might find that by the time your claim for housing benefit has been sorted out (after Housing Benefit have lost your claim form 3 times and then got it wrong anyway), your landlord has evicted you. This acts as a deterrent to people returning to work, unless they are pretty sure that they will be able to hack it.

What we need is a benefits system that allows people to move quite easily between work and benefits should they need to, as this would make attempting a return to work more viable for ill or disabled people. Probably no votes in that though, so don't hold your breath.

Voluntary work would be one way for someone to find out whether they are ready for a return to work, but people who claim Incapacity Benefit worry that the DWP snoops will take the view that if they can do voluntary work they can do paid work, and remove their benefits. But the reality is that if you miss a day or two a week through illness in voluntary work, it's not the problem it would be doing the same in paid work.

It's a daft system we have, which needs a total overhaul.

The reason I probably come across as a bit of a grumbler about being disabled is because the likes of my Dad are constantly telling me to remember I'm disabled and not aim above my station with regard to the kind of jobs I'm going for.

OK the man's me Dad and all but sometimes I could cheerfully throttle him when he comes out with stuff like that, after all I've done these "disabled specific" kind of jobs, they're all stuff like Reclaim and Remploy type Factories and history has shown that they are not suitable for me.

And I'm not being funny but I fail to see how somewhere like Reclaim, where you're stood at a conveyor belt of recycled coke cans all day in a noisy, mucky environment can be classed as suitable for disabled people?! :loopy:

had this with my father about other things and there's very little which will dissuade them from fixed mindsets other than delivering the goods.

Think the best thing you could do is to tell your dad, in the most respectful terms, that you love and respect him very deeply but prefer constructive positive and empowering conversations about your needs which are far far more than the sum total of your disabilities.

It may be useful to identify for yourself your stronger skills and just keep plugging away at them. It could also be extremely useful if you could demonstrate how you have effectively used these skills to help others and surmount your disability.


On a separate issue, I think organisations like Reclaim & Remploy which pay disabled people peanuts for their time just compound this employment problem. That they are able to pay such absurdly low sums which is basically no more than pocket money is really highly offensive and patronising.

Well said Barnsleybroker. Believe it or not the government is trying to address these concerns.
There is a range of help available through the Jobcentres, the Disability Employment Officers are really clued up on employment and disability needs and access a range of services to assist and support people in their job searches and retaining employment. Try them.

Well said Barnsleybroker. Believe it or not the government is trying to address these concerns.
There is a range of help available through the Jobcentres, the Disability Employment Officers are really clued up on employment and disability needs and access a range of services to assist and support people in their job searches and retaining employment. Try them.

I had a chat with a DEA at West St Job Centre last week. And to put it politely she was bloody useless! :loopy: :rant:

All they wanted me to do was go on some "job club" scheme based in Broomhill, where you spent 7 hours a day, 3 days a week doing CVs, interview technique, preparation for working etc.

Sorry dear, been there, done that and worn the flippin' T-shirt!

You see Job Centres don't care if you're disabled, all they're bothered about is that they want to get me off benefits and into work. It's not that easy for me, which they should know, but apparently do not.

I had a chat with a DEA at West St Job Centre last week. And to put it politely she was bloody useless! :loopy: :rant:

All they wanted me to do was go on some "job club" scheme based in Broomhill, where you spent 7 hours a day, 3 days a week doing CVs, interview technique, preparation for working etc.

Sorry dear, been there, done that and worn the flippin' T-shirt!

You see Job Centres don't care if you're disabled, all they're bothered about is that they want to get me off benefits and into work. It's not that easy for me, which they should know, but apparently do not.

Rich I've been there done that and got the T-shirt as well. I can assure you I used far far stronger terms to say the same as you are now doing. In the process I also learned how to become far more effective because I was noted for getting results :D

I was reminded these civil servants are human beings, they have a job to do and not all of them deserve to be tarred with the same brush.

At 30 perhaps it's time for you to grow up, show your metal, develop the ability to discriminate between the good, mediocre or totally useless and just give some people the benefit of the doubt.

At the same time it is healthy to be sceptical, cynical and distrust them.

You never know by overcoming your prejudices your fortunes may take a turn for the better to reflect and match your change of heart.

And the next time your dad has a pop at you for being overly ambitious, just remind him of Helen Keller - who was born deaf and blind. In her life she achieved remarkable things.

and while I think of it, the Sheffield Court Manager is also deaf so if she can make a go of her life with being deaf, I cant see any reason why you cant. As for your Aspergers Syndrome, I know of several people who have made a go of their lives with other equally challenging conditions including acute dyslexia, ADHD and autism.

And the next time your dad has a pop at you for being overly ambitious, just remind him of Helen Keller - who was born deaf and blind. In her life she achieved remarkable things.

Helen Keller was NOT born deaf, or blind:- she was born 27 June 1880, and was perfectly healthy.

At the age of 19 months, she contracted some kind of fever.

Medicine was not as good then as it is now, so the precise diagnosis of what the fever was, is unclear. It is believed that it was something lke Meningitis or Scarlet fever.

The upshot of this illness was that Helen was left deaf and blind

There was little hope given that HK would "make anything" of herself, and was written off for quite some years.

She was then taught to sign and communicate by Anne Sullivan, a young woman employed to be her carer. it opened a new world for HK.

NOW! the thing is, different people deal with different disabilities and different challenges in their own unique way.

Person one, with Aspergers may be able to deal with others fairly well, and live a relatively uncomplicated existence.

Person two with the same condition may be affected differently, and NOT be able to deal with interaction, may not be able to deal with overstimulation from lights, sounds, visual imaages. Interacting with the world may be terrifying, may be difficult.

I know of a lady who lost her sight, to a very strong degree, but who still manages, with a sighted guide, (not guide dog!) to go rambling/ hiking in the countryside.

I know of another person, a bloke, who lost his sight in a similar way, and to a similar level of blindness. He shut himself in a room. would not take part in any activity. he just sat and moped, and allowed the depression to overwhelm him. would not talk to his friends etc...

I know of many people who say to me, when they find out I need the help of a wheelchair, that "oh, it's be the end of the world for me, I'd just kill myself If I ended up like you!"

Ooh, that's a nice thing to say... NOT!

Ok, I have restrictions, limitations as to what I can do. I still consider that I live a fulfilled life. I manage to do stuff, I socialise, I do a little voluntary work. My life is not "over", just because I have physical limitations.

Andco, I fully understand the frustrations that Rich is going through, frustrations that he has been going through, all the time I have known him.

Employers, despite "right-on" legislation still aren't giving people with disabilities (PWD) a crack-of-the-whip.

Conditions like Aspergers which, to the lay person, can be an unknown quantity, frightening, even, means that people are suspicious, not willing to give the person a chance.

It's not a one-size fits all solution, it's Dff'rent Strokes for Diff'rent folks.

I have had dealings with the DWP, and have encountered DEAs, and, on the whole, they aren't great. I got some support, a while ago, but what they can do is limited.

It is easy to feel despondent, discouraged, and to want to say "Ahh, the heck with it!" when there are barriers to be overcome.

and while I think of it, the Sheffield Court Manager is also deaf so if she can make a go of her life with being deaf, I cant see any reason why you cant. As for your Aspergers Syndrome, I know of several people who have made a go of their lives with other equally challenging conditions including acute dyslexia, ADHD and autism.

How deaf is the manager, andco? what percentage of hearing loss does she have?

Is her hearing loss less than , the same as, or worse than Rich's?

Is her hearing loss small, which would mean that she doesn't have a big problem communicating, or is she profoundly deaf, like some of my friends and colleagues, with no speech, and unable to be helped by hearing aids?

does she have to rely on sign, to "talk" to others? Was she deaf from birth, or did she acquire deafness later, after she had established speech and communication, like my brother n law? my brother in law can speak, very well, very clearly, but as a result of childhood illness, he only has 2% hearing. A cannon could go off beside him, and he would not hear it!

Again, like I said in my post above, the same condition can affect people to different degrees.

I have a friend who had a stroke, and is now completely dependent on someone else to feed her, dress her, toilet her, etc. She cannot walk, or talk.

I have another friend who also had a stroke, but he although he has some paralysis down one side, has speech, can walk shorter distances, (uses a chair for longer) and Is now back at work, lecturing, at the university!

How deaf is the manager, andco? what percentage of hearing loss does she have?

Is her hearing loss less than , the same as, or worse than Rich's?

Is her hearing loss small, which would mean that she doesn't have a big problem communicating, or is she profoundly deaf, like some of my friends and colleagues, with no speech, and unable to be helped by hearing aids?

does she have to rely on sign, to "talk" to others? Was she deaf from birth, or did she acquire deafness later, after she had established speech and communication, like my brother n law? my brother in law can speak, very well, very clearly, but as a result of childhood illness, he only has 2% hearing. A cannon could go off beside him, and he would not hear it!

Again, like I said in my post above, the same condition can affect people to different degrees.

I have a friend who had a stroke, and is now completely dependent on someone else to feed her, dress her, toilet her, etc. She cannot walk, or talk.

I have another friend who also had a stroke, but he although he has some paralysis down one side, has speech, can walk shorter distances, (uses a chair for longer) and Is now back at work, lecturing, at the university!

I suggest you call and ask her for an interview. & regardless of how deaf she is the fact remaions that Helen Keller was deaf and blind & managed to overcome her disabilities.

As an addendum I am keen to avoid any competitiveness as to who is most disabled with greatest difficulties in dealing with the way their disability affects their life.

Dont you agree that it's all about how we manage our disability which in Rich's case is deafness, in yours mobility etc?

as an adult with ADHD (wich even my doctor has no clue how to help me with) i've found it hard in the job world for the last 10 years, i've been on and off benefits and have major issues with employers.

i also only have one kidney and am very prone to infections wich makes me practically unemployable, i also have dietry problems, wich again never goes down well in the job world,

and yet i have managed to do a hell of a lot with my life, i have had some amazing jobs, and also have done crap 'cos i need the money, every time i've been out of work i've done a course or taken up a practical hobby that can earn me money, i hate to sound like a hippy but all you have to do is keep trying.

sometimes it's very easy to let the ADHD take over, but i try to use it to my advantage, and am currently building quite a healthy reputation as a model.

so i guess all i've ever done is try at what i want to do, recently proved this to my other half when he couldnt get a job because of his mohican, but if he shaved it off he wouldnt get much modelling work, so i got him a wig, it cost quite a bit but it was worth it as he now has a job, it took an hour from buying wig to getting job, you just need to find your own way around problems,

positive thinking really does make your problems smaller.

as for benefits. please don't get me started, it's hell from start to finish, but after many years i've learnt what keywords are needed to get what i want and the best way around them, again keep trying its a learning process, eventually you find out how to work them, it's still mindnumbingly stupid though.

I suggest you call and ask her for an interview. & regardless of how deaf she is the fact remaions that Helen Keller was deaf and blind & managed to overcome her disabilities.

As an addendum I am keen to avoid any competitiveness as to who is most disabled with greatest difficulties in dealing with the way their disability affects their life.

Dont you agree that it's all about how we manage our disability which in Rich's case is deafness, in yours mobility etc?

Not just deafness mate, I also have mobility problems and asperger's syndrome, which is a communication disorder on teh autistic spectrum.

Not just deafness mate, I also have mobility problems and asperger's syndrome, which is a communication disorder on teh autistic spectrum.

I know what autism is, I've just been working very closely with someone who is autistic and has been able to overcome their disabilities to the extent that they are now going to University.

Although they may not have your full repertoire of disabilities, they have made a success of their life.

Jobs for disabled ??
to be honest although the goverment is pushing to get more people off incapacity benefits.... i can truly say this....

THEY HAVE DONE SOD ALL FOR ME!!

Ive been applying for jobs i know i can do and for jobs that provide training etc, ive been trying for jobs that i dont really want but
"Hey'its ajob".... :gag:
I still feel that as soon as you fill in the "Do you consider yourself to have a disability" on the application forms..... its over b4 its started.:rant:

ive tried shaw trust:suspect::gag:
im now with carter and carter, Proability... tryin cant hurt...

Jobs for disabled ??
to be honest although the goverment is pushing to get more people off incapacity benefits.... i can truly say this....

THEY HAVE DONE SOD ALL FOR ME!!

Ive been applying for jobs i know i can do and for jobs that provide training etc, ive been trying for jobs that i dont really want but
"Hey'its ajob".... :gag:
I still feel that as soon as you fill in the "Do you consider yourself to have a disability" on the application forms..... its over b4 its started.:rant:

ive tried shaw trust:suspect::gag:
im now with carter and carter, Proability... tryin cant hurt...

I 100% agree! I mean come on, I even went to a disabled specific organisation, Remploy to ask them if they had any work for me, and because I can only work so many hours due to what I get, they turned round and said they couldn't help me.

And what's worse, is that the woman who interviewed me told me to my face that my CV ain't worth the paper it's printed on, cos I'm 31 years of age, have all the experience and qualifications listed on it and I still haven't got a job! I'm sorry but what the hell?!

I've been round all the big employment agencies in Town, and they're all run by halfwits who could no more get me a job than I could sprout wings and fly to London tonight instead of spending 3 hours + travelling down by car for the Joseph show tomorrow.

I 100% agree! I mean come on, I even went to a disabled specific organisation, Remploy to ask them if they had any work for me, and because I can only work so many hours due to what I get, they turned round and said they couldn't help me.

And what's worse, is that the woman who interviewed me told me to my face that my CV ain't worth the paper it's printed on, cos I'm 31 years of age, have all the experience and qualifications listed on it and I still haven't got a job! I'm sorry but what the hell?!

I've been round all the big employment agencies in Town, and they're all run by halfwits who could no more get me a job than I could sprout wings and fly to London tonight instead of spending 3 hours + travelling down by car for the Joseph show tomorrow.Ive even asked if i could do "A work trial" free unpaid... nothing... so much for help back to work...

Ive even asked if i could do "A work trial" free unpaid... nothing... so much for help back to work...

Yeah! :rant:

But alas, the Daily Mail readers don't see this, all they care about is that while we're on benefits, we're a "burden on teh State" cos their taxes give us a "living"! :loopy:

Quite frankly though I don't care any more, the DM readers can bite me.

Yeah! :rant:

But alas, the Daily Mail readers don't see this, all they care about is that while we're on benefits, we're a "burden on teh State" cos their taxes give us a "living"! :loopy:

Quite frankly though I don't care any more, the DM readers can bite me.you know what rich, ive had enough... over the last 3mths ive applied for over 2 dozen jobs some i wanted some id take for the sake of avin a job... ive even tried where ive been doing a little volunteer work... it all comes back to age & health... and im sick of hearing it preached to me over and over.... im throwin the towel. Its bad enough to feel ill with out feeling ****ing useless as well! Ive been on every course the job center can throw at me, ive tried all they have to offer.... for what? to be told something i knew b4... long term health problem... & feel discriminated for it.

why do we try.

In this day and age you'd think that disability of some sort or another would be recognized but no its not no one gives a toss your discriminated when you're in your 30's or 40's now the reasons they give you "You are over qualified" rubbish they don't want to pay you a decent pay they want kids and pay them peanuts hate it here its rubbish just put me out with the dustbin eh!!!!!!!!!

As it happens I start a new voluntary job tomorrow, doing Hospital Radio at the Hallamshire.

Meh, I'm sure I'll enjoy it and it keeps me off the streets but I'd much rather be in paid work, voluntary work doesn't shut the chuffing Daily Mail readers up!

As it happens I start a new voluntary job tomorrow, doing Hospital Radio at the Hallamshire.

Meh, I'm sure I'll enjoy it and it keeps me off the streets but I'd much rather be in paid work, voluntary work doesn't shut the chuffing Daily Mail readers up!
:), ive done and am doing the voluntary work, as a mate said to me... its good for the soul!:rolleyes:
but all the crap we take to me is just like broken promises....
paid work is what we want!
if we can do it voluntary why cant some bugger take us on permanent and pay us for it? eh?

just put me out with the dustbin eh!!!!!!!!!
theres an old sofa at the tip... you will find me sat on it...:hihi:

i am registered disabled and have been for the past couple of years
i had to give up my job and university when i got ill and it had taken me a while to get back into the swing of things again
i started off doing avon so i could do it when it suited me not the other way round
i still do avon but now i am a self employed sales leader and it suits me down to the ground because my illness can flucuate i can work one week and not work another week
i would recommend avon to others as it really is flexible

i am registered disabled and have been for the past couple of years
i had to give up my job and university when i got ill and it had taken me a while to get back into the swing of things again
i started off doing avon so i could do it when it suited me not the other way round
i still do avon but now i am a self employed sales leader and it suits me down to the ground because my illness can flucuate i can work one week and not work another week
i would recommend avon to others as it really is flexible

I'm not a woman, so I doubt being an Avon Lady is for me, I also don't drive, so getting from customer to customer would be a problem unless they were in walking distance or reasonable bussing distance of each other.

I also think working for Avon (or any other "selling" company, like Tupperware) is going to be difficult for someone like myself, with mobility difficulties, because, eg, with Avon, you've got to trek around your "round" delivering booklets, then trek round a second time, collecting the orders, then trek again to deliver the orders when the delivery is recieved.

I know I'd have difficulty getting my wheelchair up the steps, to the doors to deliver the leaflets, and I would almost certainly have difficulty lugging the orders about, heavy bottles of toiletries etc (cos the orders aren't just a couple of tubes of lipstick!). I'd also probably have difficulties reaching the letterboxes, on a lot of doors as they aren't always at a reachable height.

I also think selling door to door/ in a party-plan scenario would be extremely difficult for someone with a comunication disorder, as you need to talk to customers and build a a rapport with them/ be confident about standing up, and talking, in front of a crowd of people.

Good Morning.

Anyway I know I should prolly put this in the jobs wanted board but it's relevant to the disabled group so I put it here.

Anyway, I'm looking for admin work at the moment but I'm having problems because of being disabled and most employers these days don't want disabled employees even though I have over 2 years admin experience and typing qualifications! :loopy: :rant:

Can anyone help? I can provide a full up to date copy of my CV to anyone who wishes to see it.

Have you tried the jobcentre/DWP...I know you don't have a great deal of love for these people, but do you for anyone other than yourself..?

But seriously, they take on people with all sorts of disability and you are guaranteed an interview, you might even get to see how much they do to try and get people into work and your opinion may change so out of one phone call you could get 2 positive results.

Let me know by means of PM and I'll dig the number out for ya...

Have you tried the jobcentre/DWP...I know you don't have a great deal of love for these people, but do you for anyone other than yourself..?

But seriously, they take on people with all sorts of disability and you are guaranteed an interview, you might even get to see how much they do to try and get people into work and your opinion may change so out of one phone call you could get 2 positive results.

Let me know by means of PM and I'll dig the number out for ya...


Are you talking about working for them or using their services? Actually there isn't much difference in terms of them taking on whatever is there?

There are civil service jobs in sheffield despite the downsizing.

Just did a search on the JobcentrePlus website and there is this Admin job at the Courts Service (http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/Internet/viewVacancy.do?selectedVacancy=3&ref=CVD/48826). It would be pretty remiss if they held your disability against you.

No pressure, if it not for you. I know how hard it can be to find a job with ignorant employers. Best wishes to you.

Edit...hmm link doesn't work. Just go through the options with Admin and Civil Service and you should get to it... But it is copied below for simplicity.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER CVD/48814
Location SHEFFIELD
Hours 37 hours per week, excluding lunch
Wage £13,825 rising to £17,500 in time (pro rata)
Work Pattern Days
Closing Date 14/12/2007
Pension Pension available
Duration PERMANENT ONLY

You should have 5 GCSEs (including English language) at Grade C or above or equivalent OR recent relevant administrative experience. You will also be required to demonstrate a Competence Profile. Full time, Monday to Friday. (Suitable for Job Share, however the exact working hours and pattern would need to be negotiated) Job description Administrative Officers are responsible for processing court orders through to dispatch, general computer input and interpretation. They act as court clerks for the Judiciary in the County Court, and liaise with such in all disciplines (Crown, Civil and Family). They must liaise with, advise and assist members of the Judiciary and legal profession, as well as the public face to face and on the telephone.

How to apply:

For further details please telephone Jobseeker Direct on 0845 6060 234. Lines are open 8.00am - 6.00pm weekdays, 9.00am - 1.00pm Saturday. All calls are charged at local rate. Call charges may be different if you call from a mobile phone. The textphone service for deaf and hearing-impaired people is 0845 6055 255. Alternatively, visit your local Jobcentre Plus Office and ask for job reference CVD/48814.

Not sure where you are based but if you are near Doncaster, their council seems to have a positive attitude to disabilities and have advertised some jobs here (http://www.disabledworkers.org.uk/careers/jseekers/industries.asp?SUB_ID=65). You might have to be quick though because they are a couple of weeks old.

Not sure if the jobs are what you want. They are offered purely in hope they are helpful.

Good Luck and don't let the employers get you down.

Not sure where you are based but if you are near Doncaster, their council seems to have a positive attitude to disabilities and have advertised some jobs here (http://www.disabledworkers.org.uk/careers/jseekers/industries.asp?SUB_ID=65). You might have to be quick though because they are a couple of weeks old.

Not sure if the jobs are what you want. They are offered purely in hope they are helpful.

Good Luck and don't let the employers get you down.

Thanks for the kind thoughts and helpful links mate but I'm in S3 (near the Infirmary Road Tesco) and don't drive, so as much as I'd be willing to work out of Town, it just isn't practical due to bus timetables etc.