NDEAM Profile: Annie Crowder, Real Estate Agent, Paraplegic

For today’s daily disability employment profile in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re profiling Annie Crowder, a real estate agent from Southeastern Kentucky. 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?

Annie Crowder

Age?

26

Where Do You Live?

Somerset, Kentucky

How and When Were You Injured?

“When I was about 18 I noticed that my legs were gradually getting weaker and weaker and losing sensation and feeling. I was diagnosed with a spinal AVM, which is basically where the veins and arteries in my spine grew together in “a rubber band ball” as my doctor described it. We knew the risk of paralysis with surgery was very likely but there was a small chance they could operate and make it better or at least stop it where it was. I went into surgery at 21, barely able to walk, needing a walker, and I came out of surgery completely paralyzed from T2 down.”

Were You Employed Pre-Injury?

“Yes! I managed an American Eagle and I also worked as a receptionist at an OBGYN office.”

What is Your Current Job and What Do You Do?

“I got licensed to sell real estate in July of 2022. I help people buy and sell homes and properties all throughout Kentucky!” “I walk people through the process of buying or selling a home (or a piece of land). That includes a lot of phone conversations, meeting people to see houses, taking pictures and staging homes, online research of available homes and market trends, negotiation, contract writing and signing, and just being a go-to between the buyer and seller and helping every way I can. Each deal is very different! I work for Weichert Realtors Ford Brothers in Somerset, KY.”

How Did You Find Your Current Job?

“Ford Brothers is also an auction center near me, and my husband is always buying or selling something with them. So when I decided I would try my hand at real estate, I pretty much knew I wanted to be in with them. I’ve always heard wonderful things about the Fords and now the ones that I have met personally have proven that to be true. My broker is amazing!”

How Long Did You Search for Your Current Job?

“I thoroughly thought out all of my options when I wanted to return to work. I had to pick something that sort of worked with the schedule my new body has put me on, I had to make sure it was enough money to supplement the insurance and SSI I was receiving, and It had to be something I could actually do. Obviously as a wheelchair user I couldn’t go climbing ladders or unpacking trucks or whatever else. It took me 4 years to start working again after my injury.”

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

“I did it on my own for the most part! Voc Rehab did help me get my car adapted, but I was very adamant about finding my own job and doing that for myself. I didn’t want anyone setting up interviews or things like that for me.”

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

“None, I basically make my own schedule, and my husband helps me get into homes with stairs.”

Do You Have Tips for Getting Hired?

“Weigh. Your. Options. And then go for it! It will feel AMAZING to work again.”

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

“Do it sooner. I wish I hadn’t waited 4 years.”

— Follow Annie on IG at @ https://www.instagram.com/annieswheelestate