Flora Ames is a long way from where she was about 5 years ago. At that time, she was living in the Philippines. Now, she lives in Miller, SD with her husband. Flora was diagnosed with polio in her right foot when she was 11 months old and it has affected the use of her foot. She is also diabetic.
She heard about MAWD from her Vocational Rehabilitation counselor, Carmen Thies. Flora had some problems with her health and Carmen suggested applying for MAWD in March 2011. At the time, she was working at The Miller Press. Right now, Flora works about 16-20 hours at The Miller Press. During the summer, she gets bumped up to about 18-25 hours since the weather is nicer and she can get to work earlier. Her husband drives her about 20 miles to and from work 2-3 days a week, since she is unable to drive because of her disability.
Flora managed a factory in the Philippines and then didn’t work for a year after moving to the United States. She missed working. Flora finally searched the Internet for jobs and came across the National Telecommuting Institute and was hired there.
Flora’s advice for others with a disability would be to talk to a Voc Rehab counselor. Get empowered. She is a workaholic type of person and loves to work. Flora uses her income to support her niece and nephew that live in the Philippines.
There were a couple obstacles that Flora had to overcome to find work. Hand County, where she lives, does not have wireless Internet. She would look for jobs on the Internet and try to do other things, but it just didn’t work. Her and her husband had to change their Internet plan. Flora’s husband also has to take her to work since she is unable to drive.
Flora said it has been nice having a flexible job. She still wants to find a job so she can work at home as well to earn extra income to support family in the Philippines. Her husband is supportive of her. He is also self-employed so he can make time to take Flora to work. She feels like The Miller Press is happy with what she does so that gives her job satisfaction.
Flora is currently enrolled in MAWD and it has given her a great gift, peace of mind. She was already employed when she found out about MAWD. Since she has started the program, whenever she has to go to the doctor, Flora doesn’t worry about what it will cost or what needs to be done. She said health is very important.
Flora said, “People with disabilities in the United States are so lucky. It is also equal opportunity here, which is not the way it is in the Philippines.”
She said to believe in yourself. There is no reason for you to not become employed. Be sure to contact Voc Rehab or some other resources. “Empower people with disabilities and they will give you 100 percent. Empowerment is very powerful,” Flora said.
What a difference five years makes.