I may have stepped onto a new path in my work

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

I've been accepted to do some computer work for the Texas state vocational rehab office, and I've begun getting the occasional job rebuilding computers for some of their clients.

The client I just helped has cerebral palsy. He's wheelchair-bound, and has the usual motor control deficits. I was told he would be very hard to understand, but it turned out it was actually easy for me to have a conversation with him. It's important to simply remember that such a person still has normal comprehension and appreciates it if you simply speak normally to them without shouting or E N U N C I A T I N G. And surprisingly, it was not at all difficult for me to understand him- I only asked him to repeat a word a couple times.

I have other "challenged" clients- my favorite is a woman of about my age who was blinded 22 years ago when she had one of the early laser eye surgeries. The procedure detatched her retinas. She has a beautiful 14 year old daughter whose face she has never seen. And she's incredibly proficient on the computer, using software that tells her out loud what she's doing. In dealing with her I simply have to remember to tell her when I'm moving around so she doesn't walk into me. (I also have to quietly tell her that her daughter has left every light in the house on...)

I'm finding it a rewarding experience to help the less able folk, and I'm finding I have a knack for working with them I never knew I had. It's now my hope to expand my work in this direction.

Wish me well.

[Wwagsthedog]

1. Bon Voyage' nt

[NMMNG]

2. Best wishes

Although I hate the low pay of my jobs, the intrinsic rewards are unbeatable. I know just how you feel.


Keep up the good work.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

3. Low pay, heck!

It's a state job. I charge 'em $70 per hour plus parts.

What work do you do?

[NMMNG]

4. Human services for private non-profits

One with people who have developmental disabilities and another with people who have mental illnesses. I don't know what $11 an hour looks like, let alone $70.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

5. Ahh. Non-profits is a different kettle of fish.

I also do some non-profit stuff- I do monthly computer maintenance at a pre-school for the price of my gas, and I've been known to do work for no pay from time to time, so I applaud your work.

But when the state is willing to pay the bill, I'll bill 'em for every second!