For the last year, Lola Mayer from Veblen, South Dakota has been a self employed Avon representative. Lola says she can do the job at her own speed which is a real plus for her due to having degenerative disc disease and depression. Lola also suffers from migraine headaches which can last for four days at a time. Having the flexibility of selling Avon has been a lifesaver for Lola. Several years ago she was a truck driver which caused back problems in addition to having an injury which led to her doctor suggesting that she find a different type of employment. Since Lola doesn’t like to sit around and not be busy, she started to search for employment that she could do even though she had obstacles to work through. She saw the Avon commercial and with encouragement from her husband, she decided to apply.  She enjoys the flexibility that being an Avon representative offers her. She said the job is good for her and her situation because she is able to work when she is feeling well. The business helps Lola with her depression because she says “it feels like I am able to do something.”

Lola was without medical insurance even when she started to work for Avon. She was searching for something to help with her medical expenses and medication. This is when she was told about Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) by a caseworker at the Department of Social Services. She applied and was enrolled in MAWD in 2009.  Lola said that MAWD has helped her because now she can get more of the medical attention that she needs without a lot of out of pocket expenses. Without the medical insurance through MAWD, Lola would not have been able to get the back surgery that she needed. She is now able to see her counselor every week, and can continue to get the medication that she needs to lead a healthier life and continue to work.

Lola says that people with disabilities should look for employment that they would be able to do depending on their disability. She believes there are home businesses that should be pursued more by people with disabilities because of the flexibility that comes with your own business. Lola said she believes people should “go out and do what you can, don’t give up.” Employers should give people a chance and not discriminate against people with disabilities; they may be the best worker you could have!