Brampton’s Nat Miller’s job quest is part of a documentary “Employable Me” airing Friday, Aug. 18, at 9 p.m.
.
by Radhika Panjwani Brampton Guardian
When it comes to hiring differently-abled candidates, most employers, it seems, just can’t look past the individual’s disability, says Brampton’s Nat Miller, a legally blind woman.
Miller, 43, should know.
A botched surgery to treat glaucoma eight years ago caused the Brampton nurse to lose her sight completely in one eye and with a blurry peripheral vision on the other.
In the aftermath of the devastating life-changing event, Miller, a registered nurse, had to refocus her efforts on finding a job. So far, Miller reckons she has sent out hundreds of resumes.
The Bramptonian’s journey is part of a documentary, Employable Me, by Accessible Media Inc., a national broadcaster, and will air Friday, Aug. 18, at 9 p.m. on the AMI channel 888 in Rogers TV and channel 48 on Bell TV, after which it will be available AMI’s website.
“There are several barriers people with disabilities face in their job search,” Miller said. “Educating the employer of your disability is one. Some people think you’re a liability and that it will cost to hire someone with a disability. It’s frustrating.
“Every day, I have to figure out how I am going to live, how am I going to survive and what am I going to do with myself …”
Miller uses a camera magnifier that enlarges the font for both her computer as well as her cellphone to read email, documents and create spreadsheets, but when she tried explaining it one of the prospective employers, the human resources personnel had no idea what she meant.
“Even though they say they’re equity employers, they don’t know what accommodations may be needed for somebody that’s legally blind,” Miller said.
The six-part film series features people with Tourette’s syndrome, Asperger syndrome, Down syndrome, ADHD and vision loss. The film documents how, with help from experts from the medical and employment fields, the individuals are able to land a job.
Miller was able to find part-time work with a Brampton franchise of Nurse Next Door as community outreach specialist.
“When you look at Nat’s resume, you can see that she has extensive experience in community nursing care, a strong background of knowledge of nursing principles, and experience in senior care,” said Avinash Arora, franchise partner, Nurse Next Door. “She’s well spoken and has strong people skills, which is a great fit for this position as it requires exceptional public speaking skills and organizational skills. In addition to Nat’s skills, she also emulates Nurse Next Door’s core values: providing a ‘wow’ customer service, being passionate about making a difference and finding a better way.”
Arora said he was impressed by Miller’s passion for caring and helping others.
A 2016 Statistics Canada survey reveals more than half (52 per cent) of Canadians between 15 to 64 years with a visible disability are not in the labour market.
Lack of knowledge about disability and accommodation issues, cost-related apprehensions, and legal obligations are some of the reasons employers are reluctant to hire someone with a disability.
Miller, who volunteers at the New Life Covenant Centre in Mississauga, manages the church’s bookstore. Their bestselling item is the Holy Bible with extra-large font.
The irony is not lost on her.
For more information visit www.ami.ca.