Rehabilitation Services’ Employee’s Commitment to Work Recognized During Disability Employment Awareness Month

Shan Carter and DRS co-worker Ken Washington discuss work.
 

Oklahoma City – Shan Carter played three co-ed soccer games the day before she experienced the first symptoms of multiple sclerosis in September 1999.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that results in the body's immune system attacking the myelin, the protective sheath that coats and protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms vary widely, depending on the location of affected nerve fibers, but for many people stress, heat or fatigue can trigger symptoms or make them much worse in episodes known as exacerbations.

As the symptoms increased, Carter was hospitalized and sometimes had to miss work for doctor appointments. When she experienced a serious exacerbation and was hospitalized, large steroid doses led to the deterioration of her hip at age 33. She was demoted several times and ultimately fired by a supervisor who was unwilling to accommodate her developing disability.

Approximately 583,000 Oklahomans have disabilities, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2008 American Community Survey.

Like Carter, some report disability-based discrimination in the workplace, leading to public awareness events such as Employment of People with Disabilities Awareness Month, celebrated each year in Oct., to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities.

In 2001, Carter went to the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), where her father was employed, for a letter documenting her disability that makes it easier to go to work for the state through a special hiring program.

DRS’ Vocational Rehabilitation and Visual Services divisions provide vocational rehabilitation and employment services, serving as the state employment agency for Oklahomans with disabilities. The agency’s School for the Blind and School for the Deaf offer residential and outreach education programs, while the Disability Determination Division determines eligibility for Social Security disability benefits

Carter learned of an opening for an administrative assistant opening in the policy development unit at DRS. Impressed with her skills and attitude, Larry Bishop, who was then unit administrator, hired her in July, 2001

“We hired Shan based on the recommendations of co-workers on the interview team,” Bishop said. “She had the skills to do the job and a sense of humor, which made her the perfect match for us.”

At one point, when she was hospitalized with an exacerbation, DRS reopened Carter's vocational rehabilitation case and modified her van for the power wheelchair that she purchased with medical insurance and her own funds.

Both DRS and Carter wanted her to return to work, so the agency modified her office to make space for the wheelchair, which she used when she came back, but no longer needs.

“I went through other programs trying to get a job, but kept running into walls,” Carter said. “DRS allowed me get a permanent, stable job with benefits. I felt good about that, plus hiring people with disabilities reinforces what this agency is all about.”

She was promoted in January, 2008 to an administrative programs officer with responsibilities that include inventory control, vehicle coordination for the agency and supervising other staff.

“Shan does an outstanding job for us and is a fair and consistent supervisor,” Material Management Supervisor Herb Carson said. “Her disability is not a factor, except that it may be an advantage when it comes to problem-solving skills.

“When her staff comes in with a problem, Shan asks them to also bring a positive solution or at least a suggestion on how to solve that problem,” Carson said.

Today Carter is vibrant and smiling during an after-hours interview in her office.

“With MS it’s not if an exacerbation will occur, it’s when,” Shan Carter said. “So there are advantages to working for an agency that understands disability and offers sick days and insurance.

“It never occurred to me to stay home,” she said. “I was ready to get back to work.”

“At DRS, we put literally put our money where our mouth is in terms of hiring qualified people with disabilities,” DRS Director Michael O’Brien, Ed. D. said. “Nearly 18% of our staff have disabilities, and we find that they are dedicated and committed to helping others go to work.”

For more information about Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services programs, phone 1-800-845-8476 or visit www.okdrs.gov. The number is accessible by phone or telecommunications equipment for the deaf.

To reach the nearest office providing vocational rehabilitation and employment assistance, phone 800-487-4042.

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