NDEAM Profile: Sharon Malone, Safety Educator, Paraplegic

For today’s daily disability employment profile of a person with a spinal cord injury in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month we’re profiling Sharon Malone from Arizona.

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?

Sharon Malone

Age?

49

Where Do You Live?

Mesa, Arizona

How and When Were You Injured?

October 24 2012 / T5 complete

Were You Employed Pre-Injury?

“Yes, insurance agent for 3 years, VP benefits before that.”

Current Job?

“Safety Educator / Damsel in Defense 2017-present.”

Describe What You Do:

“Teach people safety and provide protection tools to help keep people safe.”

How Did You Find Your Current Job?

Friend

How Long Did You Search for Your Current Job?

“I wasn’t searching but got introduced by friend.”

Please Name Any programs That Supported You Finding or Maintaining Your Current Job:

None

What Kind of Disability Accommodations, If Any, Have You Requested and Received from Your Employer?

None

Do You Have Tips for Getting Hired?

“There are lots of jobs available out there. Just find something your passionate about.”

Advice for Maintaining Employment Long-Term?

“Find an employer that can accommodate and understand your struggles.”

If You Could Go Back in Time, What Advice Would You Give Yourself Before Pursuing Your Career Path?

“Find something that your passionate about.”

— Visit Sharon’s “Damsel in Defense” site: https://www.mydamselpro.net/pro20000
— Follow Sharon on IG https://www.instagram.com/damselindefensestungunmom/