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Every day during October, we’re sharing employment stories of people with spinal cord injuries to in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Today we’re profiling Doug Galica, a Patent Classification Specialist from Virginia.
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?
Doug Galica
Age?
39
Where Do You Live?
Rockingham, VA
How and When Were You Injured?
Hunting accident on December 20th, 1997.
Level of Injury?
T11-12 complete paraplegic
Were You Employed Pre-Injury?
No, since he was only 13 years old at the time of his injury.
Current Job?
“I’ve been working as a Patent Classification Specialist since Sept of 2007.”
Describe Your Job:
“I work for Serco who has a contract with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to classify patent applications in order to get them routed to the correct examiner at the Patent office.”
How Did You Find Your Current Job?
“I was actually contacted by a hiring/temp agency.”
How Long Did You Search for Your Current Job?
“Well over a year, probably year and a half.”
What Kind of Disability Accommodations, If Any, Have You Requested and Received from Your Employer?
“At first, just simple things like removing under the desk keyboard tray that was too low and making sure desk, shelves were fine.”
Do You Have Tips for Getting Hired?
“Patience, perseverance and confidence.”
Advice for Maintaining Employment Long-Term?
“Continue to gain as much knowledge as possible and be willing to learn and adapt.”
If You Could Go Back in Time, What Advice Would You Give Yourself Before Pursuing Your Career Path?
“I would’ve taken additional courses for improving advancement possibilities.”
— Follow Doug and see his #wheelchairlifeadventures (including being a dad!) at https://www.instagram.com/dgalica/
ideas@spinalpedia.com
