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Every day during the month of October, we’re sharing employment stories of people with spinal cord injuries to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Meet Erica Smith who went on to forge a career in graphic design after her injury.
In the comments, please share if you are ❤ working post spinal cord injury, 💚 when you started, and 💙 what you love most about your job 👍
Name?
Erica Smith
Age?
32 years old
Where Do You Live?
Denver, CO
How and When Were You Injured?
“I was in a motor vehicle accident at age 17 in 2008 that left me a T6 complete paraplegic.”
Level of Injury?
T6
Employment History Pre-Injury:
“I was 17 at my injury and working at a grocery store as a cashier.”
Current Job?
“Following my injury I went through the graphic design program at a local community college and have been working professionally as a graphic designer for over 9 years.” “I currently work as a graphic designer in the marketing department of a company called H&C Animal Health. I design things such as packaging, sales materials, websites and social media graphics.”
How Did You Find Your Job and How Long Was the Search?
Online and it took her several months.
What Kind of Disability Accommodations Do You Require?
Other than a wheelchair accessible desk, Erica doesn’t need any specific disability work accommodations.
Do You Have Tips for Getting Hired?
“Don’t give up and don’t settle!”
If You Could Go Back In Time, What Advice Would You Give Yourself Before Pursuing Your Career Path?
“Don’t doubt yourself or think you are any less worthy than your able bodied counterparts.”
— Follow Erica on IG at https://www.instagram.com/erricasmith/
ideas@spinalpedia.com
