Expectations vs. Reality: The Downsides of Having a Disability


 Getting the job you've dreamed about having your entire life  can be the best thing ever...IF you get it and are able to get it.  Having a disability means you have limitations on what you can and can't do.  Some people will tell someone with a disability that they can't work a certain job.  I disagree with that!

I believe that if someone (even with an extreme disability) wants something so bad, there has to be a way we can let them do what they want to do.  It may not be ideal, but it can be possible.  

I will give you an example:

Bobby (he/him), is 22 years old and has level 2 autism.  He can communicate and socialize, but has a tendency of getting easily overstimulated when he talks to too many people which causes him to spiral into a meltdown.  He's had jobs in the food-service industry, but didn't do well due to his limitations.  However, he's always wanted to work at a hotel doing the front desk.  How can you help him achieve his goals?

  1. Help him apply to local hotels.
  2.  Explain to him that sometimes we have to work towards our dreams or our dreams are sometimes just dreams and sometimes we have limitations.
  3. Have a job coach work with him and teach him effective customer service/basic communication skills 
  4. If he can be able to work as a housekeeper for a year without any negative outbursts, have the manager work one-on-one with him to work at the front desk.

Anyone with a disability has limitations. That’s just reality. But that doesn’t mean they can’t still have dreams or work hard toward them.

For Bobby, maybe that dream job at the hotel front desk doesn’t happen right away. But that doesn’t mean it’s off the table forever. With the right support—like a patient manager, a job coach, and a plan that works with his needs instead of against them—it can happen. It might take time. It might look different than it would for someone else. But that doesn’t make it any less meaningful.

We have to stop telling people what they can’t do and instead ask: “What can do you do in order to try?”

Not every job will be a perfect fit for everyone. But I believe that when someone wants something badly enough, and they’re willing to work for it, we owe it to them to at least help them try. Because dreams shouldn’t be limited by a disability—they should be supported with compassion, creativity, and hope.

What is your dream job?


If you liked this blog post, PLEASE comment down below what your favorite part was, share with your friends and family, etc.  Have any comments, questions, etc. about what you were reading? Reach out to me by messaging me on Instagram or TikTok @neurospicyblondie or email me  alyssa.onthespectrum@gmail.com.  


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