Older Posts
For the last week of NDEAM/National Disability Employment Awareness Month, meet Rob Wudlick, a C4 quadriplegic, clinical research project manager at the University of Minnesota, and the CEO/Founder of Adapt Design Works.
In the comments below, please share if you are ❤ working post spinal cord injury, 💚 when you started, and 💙 what you love most about your job 👍
Name?
Rob Wudlick
Age?
39
Where Do You Live?
Minneapolis, MN
How and When Were You Injured?
“In 2011 I had a diving accident on the Grand Canyon which resulted in a C4 AIS B injury.”
Were You Employed Your Injury?
“I was employed before my injury. I had just graduated college and was in between college and finding a career job.”
What is Your Current Job and What Do You Do?
“I currently have two jobs. I am a clinical research project manager at the University of Minnesota that I started in 2019 and own and operate my company, Adapt Design Works LLC, which I started in 2018.” “I organize clinical trials and develop assistive technology that helps people with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities.”
How Did You Find Your Job?
“Networking and self-initiative.”
How Long Did You Search for Your Current Job?
“I wasn’t looking at the time.”
Please Name Any Programs That Supported You Finding or Maintaining Your Current Job:
“Talking with peers living with SCI.”
What Kind of Disability Accommodations, If Any, Have You Requested and Received from Your Employer?
“A up/down desk and large monitors.”
Do You Have Any Tips or Tricks to Share on Finding a Job?
“Network and build skills that make yourself useful. Find things you are passionate about!”
Do You Have Any Tips or Tricks to Share on Maintaining Employment for the Long Term?
“Build skills to add value to your organization, don’t stop learning, and stay positive!”
If You Could Go Back in Time, What Advice Would You Give Yourself Before Pursuing Your Job or Career Path?
“That you can provide tremendous value to organizations as an employee after your SCI.”
Is There Anything Else You’d Like to Add About Your Job Search or Employment Experience?
“I tiered my work hours up which allowed me to understand how much I could commit and work for a job.”
— Follow Rob on IG at https://www.instagram.com/rwudlick/
ideas@spinalpedia.com
