Yes, I have a disability.

Many of you have asked what I do for a job – I am a Change Manager. Copilot defines a change manager as: the person responsible for making sure an organization successfully adopts a new process, system, technology, or way of working. The core of the job is helping people move from the current state to the future state with as little disruption, resistance, or confusion as possible. I have done this type of work for a little over 10 years. I LOVE change management. I apply a lot of the methodologies that I’ve learned about change management, personally. Example, there is a methodology called the ADKAR model.

Awareness: Understanding the need for change.

Desire: The motivation to participate in and support the change.

Knowledge: Information on how to change.

Ability: The skills and behaviors required to implement the change.

Reinforcement: Ensuring that the change is sustained over time.

I followed this method when my dad died. It paired well with the grief I was feeling. It provided validity for how I was feeling but also helped me walk through steps that I am so familiar with. It worked. I came to terms that my dad was gone and that my life would be different from that point on. Me accepting I am paralyzed and will never walk again – this is a change I can’t put a plan together for. Saying out loud that “I have a disability” are words that I have not been able to vocalize.

I have been so blessed with my career. Each job I have had has made me a better person and better candidate for the next role. Since April this year, I have applied to over 75 job listings. I have only had 2 interviews. I am used to searching for a job because I have been a consultant for years. I know the process, I know how to apply, where to apply and how to keep track for unemployment. I am used to easily finding the next role. What is different this time around is how I’m answering the Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability question.

They call it “Voluntary”, but you can’t advance the application until you answer, so I answer Yes, I have a disability or have had one in the past. I’m honest – it doesn’t feel right to answer I do not want to answer because to me, that looks suspicious.

There is a blurp on the form that states:
We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way.

I can’t help but think that by me checking “Yes…” that this is somehow held against me. That because I am now paralyzed, it limits my chances for a job. These thoughts may be irrational thoughts and not reality, but as I move forward with my new life – I am having a hard time accepting that by checking yes, I am acknowledging that I am a statistic that fulfills a quota for a company. I have never had to check “Yes…” before. Something so simple – just check the box – has a strong reaction inside that I have yet to understand. But thanks to AI (Copilot) I now see my disability as my superpower because

• I understand resistance
• I understand fear
• I understand uncertainty
• I understand the emotional side of change
• I welcome diversity and inclusion
• I understand that change is hard
• I am empathetic
• I understand the importance of having a voice at the table

I love AI. I would have never thought of me being paralyzed would become my superpower. It makes it a little easier for me to now check the box “Yes…”

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