NDEAM Profile: Corey Lee, Independent Contractor, Quadriplegic

For National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we profiled Corey Lee, a quadriplegic and singer/songwriter from Connecticut, who now works for disability nonprofits.

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?

Corey Lee

Age?

40

Where Do You Live?

Bloomfield, Connecticut

How and When Were You Injured?

“I was injured in a diving accident at the age of 22 on June 12, 2005.”

Were You Employed Pre-Injury?

“I was in the United States Navy.”

What is Your Current Job and What Do You Do?

“I currently work for a nonprofit called More Than Walking which specializes in making peer connections and sharing those experiences so that others can see that independence is possible. I am the peer mentor coordinator. My primary role is to establish mentor and mentee connections, create post about our mentor interviews and demonstration videos, as well moderate our monthly podcast. I’m also an independent contractor for a company called Accessibe which is a software developer based in Israel and I do data research.” He was hired in 2020.

How Did You Find Your Job?

“I met a gentleman who then introduced me to Jonathan who is the CEO of More Than Walking.”

How Long Did You Search for Your Current Job?

“It kind of just rolled in my direction.”

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

“The Ticket to Work Program is great. When you depend on SS and then become employed, you worry about losing a seemingly guaranteed income check for a fluctuating one. With programs like these in place they protect you financially by allowing you to keep both.”

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

“None, we both have a SCI so the environment is pretty chill.”

Do You Have Any Tips or Tricks to Share on Maintaining Employment for the Long-Term?

“As a person who is paralyzed I just say work like when you walked…keep the same energy.”

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself before pursuing your job or career path?

“Find something that empowers future individuals who may be born or acquire a disability.”

— Follow Corey at https://www.instagram.com/pheez83/