Interview with Shawn McGaw (continued)

 

 

Q: How have they been accommodated in their workplace or work environment?

A: First and foremost, they gave me the opportunity to find another job within the company when I brought it to their attention that I was having trouble writing track permits.

Secondly, they understand that I present to students and employers at part of being on the equity and employment panel. They give me time off to go and do these presentations.

 

Q: What has your experience been overall as a PWD (person with a disability) in their province's workforce?

A: (laughing) Well, being an English speaking Quebecer has made it difficult for me at times; particularly since my disability effects my reading and writing comprehension. Historically my province has not been too keen on accepting people with disabilities either. I have been told by numerous teachers and even university professors that "There is no such thing as a learning disability," and that really destroyed my self-esteem. Part of why I do what I do in presenting, is because I think that it's time that we teach the teachers, and advocate for ourselves that we are indeed useful people.

 

Q: Can you give me one personal challenge related to your disability and employment, and how they overcame it or how it impacted upon them?

A: I would have to say that me finally accepting me, for who and what I am, increased my energy and allowed me to let go of a lot of friction in my life.

My father always told me that life is like a rose, if you hold on too tightly you're going to feel pain. It's better to relax, and enjoy life for what it is rather than holding on to all that guilt and pain I experienced before I decided to talk about my disability.

 

 

With thanks to Shawn McGaw and to the department of Employee Relations at Canadian Pacific Railways for making this interview possible.