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Employment Success Story: Katherine Sneller
Employment Success Story: Katherine Sneller
Where do you work, and how long have you worked there?
"I have worked at Fellowship CRC for two years and Legacy Thrift for five years."
What parts of your job do you enjoy the most?
"I enjoy contributing at work, being a part of something bigger than myself, my co-workers, and the community."
Can you share a moment when you felt proud of your contributions at work?
"I'm proud every time I work! I give my all!"
Can you describe how your employment has improved your life outside of work?
"Work has provided me a sense of belonging, purpose, and fulfillment.
However: If only equity in salary could be a reality! Working causes a huge decrease in benefits, in my case SSDI, when working part-time. It’s extremely frustrating and inhibits people who have disabilities from working. I believe the income guidelines must be reviewed, and allowance must be made for employment income to actually benefit the worker with a disability just as it does a worker without a disability.
Many employers face the hard decision of withholding the opportunity to increase hours, provide raises, or give bonuses so that the person with a disability has equal employment earning opportunities. This puts both the worker and the employer in an unfair position. A worker who is penalized for working is not motivated. An employer whose hands are tied regarding treating all employees equally due to wage caps is not eager to employ this population of people because this directly impacts the worker's level of motivation.
Let’s make things truly equal. Employment for people with disabilities is not the only goal; equal employee treatment is!"
What advice would you give to people with disabilities looking for a job in their community?
"My advice would be to educate the employer and ask if they would be willing to provide alternative compensation."
What advice would you give to employers wanting to hire people with disabilities?
"My advice would be to please explore and be open to providing ways to compensate the employee in an effort to provide equity among all employees."