Being employed has always been part of Wallace Armstrong’s life.  Even after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age 17, Wallace has always had a job even though he more recently has only been able to work part time. He would love to work full time but due to the complications with his illness, it is easier on him to work part time.  Last December, Wallace was hired to work at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in the concession area. He enjoys his job and feels it is a perk to be able to see some of the events at the Civic Center while he is working. Wallace says there are other benefits of working for him, “I get out and interact with other people and that’s a plus!” Wallace said staying at home 24 hours a day is not healthy for anyone. “You need to get out of the house.”

Wallace found himself without health insurance after losing employment last year when his illness started to cause him more problems with flare-ups. He was able to get some help through Pennington County for temporary assistance with medical expenses but he knew the help was time limited. That’s when his county caseworker told him about the MAWD program. Wallace applied for the program, got his part time job at the Civic Center and waited to find out if he was approved.  While he was waiting to hear, Wallace accumulated many medical expenses due to surgeries and continual medical care. Then in June, 2009 Wallace got the news that he was approved for MAWD.  He is very thankful to his caseworker through Pennington County and for Kathy Gengler through the Department of Social Services. He credits both of these people for never giving up hope for approval of MAWD.

While Wallace dealt with the stigma of his disease as a barrier to employment, he kept going and tried not to let it interfere with his work. Unlike his previous employers, Wallace has shared his hidden disability with his current employer. He feels this has helped to get the support of his employer and also puts him more at ease while at work. Wallace would like other people with disabilities who are job searching to “not give up; there are always employers out there who will hire you.” As far as employers, he would suggest to them to “keep an open mind and give it a chance.” 

Wallace is very thankful for the MAWD program. He said his life has changed since being on MAWD; he has less stress due to knowing his medical bills will be covered and if there is a medical emergency he doesn’t have to worry because he won’t be straddled with a big bill. Since stress can play a factor in his illness, Wallace sees MAWD as a double benefit for him. Even though Wallace feels his life is still far from being what he would like it to be, he has a comfort level of knowing that he can get medical help for his illness when he needs to.