By Darryl Partridge
In 2010, my disability no longer allowed me to continue working in my chosen career.
I had suffered a debilitating ankle injury in 2008, and afterward, I had to use crutches for mobility. Although I continued teaching elementary school for the first two years after this injury, it was a struggle since working with such young students required me to always be on the go.
Unfortunately, due to more surgeries, major teacher layoffs, and an unsympathetic school board, I ultimately lost my job. As a husband and father of three children, I was devastated.
I spent the next two years trying to fix my leg through two more surgeries while I sought a new teaching position.
In time, however, I had to face the hard truth: With more than 500 applicants for each teaching position, school districts were hiring young, highly qualified teachers and had no interest in a 47-year-old man on crutches.
Being unemployed at my age was tough, and I struggled with anger and depression almost daily.
Two things helped me start feeling good about myself again.
First, I volunteered to be president of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) at my daughter’s elementary school and to teach Junior Achievement lessons in an economically deprived city school, which helped fill the void in my life that the loss of my teaching career created. I also started a website to support others suffering from mobility issues.
Second, although teaching is my passion, I decided to give up my search for a teaching job and train for a new career.
While mourning the loss of my chosen career, I enrolled in a program at a local community college. As a much older student with a master’s degree and ten years of teaching experience, I had to swallow my pride as I attended classes with students less than half my age.
I pressed on, however, and earned my certificate in 2013. Since then, I have been able to return to work in the public health field and am again able to contribute to my family’s income. It’s great to be employed again, and I’m thankful that I was able to get this important part of my life back.
Editor’s Note: After more surgeries to try to fix his painful ankle, Partridge decided to have his left leg amputated below the knee in September 2014. He says that the amputation, along with a positive attitude, has helped him regain even more of his life, including biking, snow skiing, and vacationing with his family. At press time, Partridge was working toward certification to become a full-time personal trainer. Today, he blogs about his experiences at lifebeyond4limbs.com.
For More Information: For help returning to your career or retraining for a new one, contact your local vocational rehabilitation office. To learn about grants, scholarships, and loans for people with disabilities, visit the Amplitude Amputee Resource Directory.
