I work at Coleman Data Solutions, where I have been doing data entry and imaging since 2000. I love my job because I enjoy both the work I do and my co-workers – 80 percent of whom have a disability, just as I do.
When I was a very small child, my parents took me to the doctor to have me tested because I wasn’t yet doing things that other kids my age we doing – like crawling and starting to walk. That, they learned, had to do with gross motor skills. My fine motor skills were fantastic. I could pick raisins from inside a small bottle and turn the pages of magazines. I was diagnosed with several different developmental disabilities and have lived with them ever since. Some parts of school were really difficult for me and other things were much easier. As my parents can tell you, one thing I’ve always been good at is using computers. I was really fast on my family’s Commodore computer when I was a kid, and I’ve only gotten better as the equipment has changed and improved.
Because of my disabilities, I found it hard to find and keep a job. I worked in a few different jobs for short periods of time. I trained at a grocery store stocking shelves and bagging groceries. I did the best I could but found it hard. Because I struggled, they would not hire me permanently. It was then that I learned about Coleman Data Solutions and I was able to get an appointment for an interview and evaluation. I passed the skills test and was hired. After that, I was trained in data entry and imaging. I am a fast learner when it comes to putting information into a computer, which has helped me greatly. Currently, I’m working on a project for a large retail chain. I type the information customers write on information cards into a database for the company. The company then uses that database to send mailings to customers.
When I am not working, I like to spend time with my family, read or play games on my Kindle. My favorite game right now is Words with Friends. I play with several people including my mom and my younger brother. I also try to keep fit by riding my bike.
I really like my job at Coleman Data Solutions. I am not sure what I like best about it – it’s a toss-up between the work I do and my co-workers. Both are great! I know my co-workers appreciate my skills and the work I accomplish. I appreciate all of them and how nice they are. They look at me and see my abilities instead of my disabilities. I’m surprised that it’s been 12years since I started working here. I have been having fun, so the years have gone fast. On a scale of one to ten, that old grocery store job was a three….but working at Coleman Data Solutions is a definite ten.
True story of a Coleman Data Solutions employee.