Success Stories

Embracing abilities: Stephanie’s journey as an employee who has disabilities

A smiling woman, Stephanie, wearing glasses and lipstick.

Finding and keeping good work can be challenging. For employees who have disabilities, this can be even more difficult. Stephanie found a job she loves and fits her abilities working at Goodwill.

Stephanie is an E-Commerce sales associate for Goodwill. She’s been with Goodwill for over nine years. 

“Goodwill accepted my challenge: Hire someone who can only work 15 hours a week. It took me 12 years to find an employer who could look past my disabling issues and focus on where I excel,” Stephanie said. “My job means everything to me: I am productive in society again; it gives me purpose and self-esteem; it allows me to be social; I give back to those who aren’t yet able to accomplish their goals. I am an asset to this organization whose purpose is to ‘do good.’ I am grateful for the opportunities to meet other people from all walks of life. These people provide such vibrant colors to my life’s mosaic.” 

A diagnosis doesn’t define a person

Stephanie has a cognitive disorder and was diagnosed in her 30s. She has other unseen disabilities including Mild Gastroparesis, Anemia, and Fibromyalgia – which cause chronic fatigue. 

“You notice it when ‘washing machine’ falls off my tongue when we’re talking about guacamole. I invert letters and words all the time; you’d call me dyslexic,” Stephanie said. “My involuntary jerky limbs cause all sorts of mayhem and mischief. I’m also diagnosed with Hypermobility Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, and a lack of Fine Motor Skills.” 

The Americans with Disabilities Act gives Stephanie – and other employees who have disabilities – the ability to be everything she can and wants to be, she said.

“I prove that a diagnosis doesn’t define a person,” she said. “Disability isn’t always dis-abling to life and are not always visible.” 

Thank you for all you do at Goodwill and for sharing your story, Stephanie! Want to work with us? We’re hiring, click here for a list of open positions.

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