Avoidance

Definition of avoidance. 1 obsolete a : an action of emptying, vacating, or clearing away b : outlet. 2 : annulment 1. 3 : an act or practice of avoiding or withdrawing from something.

I am fully engaged in "the act or practice of withdrawing from something." Seriously, once summer hits it is all a game of trying to not fall too much behind. Visits from family and friends, my annual tests and exams, as well as making plans for the next three years, well, it gets really busy. So much has happened and there is a lot to update.

I am a middle aged, disabled college student.

I am enrolled in college. I am working with a vocational rehabilitation program to relearn the skills necessary to hold down a job and support others going through this challenge. I will be attending classes at a local school, mostly online, for the next two years. I am combining these efforts with my rehabilitation to help reduce my time out of the work force and am starting at very basic levels. I am pursuing an education in human resources with an eye toward working within the Americans with Disabilities Act for neuro-nontypical employees; autism and aspergers spectrum, traumatic brain injury, and post traumatic stress disorder.

Understanding and working within the framework of human resources I hope to make employability of disabled persons less intimidating and more accessible. Statistics show that while the disabled struggle with unemployment at much higher levels than the general population, despite capability, they often are model employees. They do not take as many days off of work, show attention to time and produce a good quality of work within the realm of their capabilities. I can use my 10 years of experience in working with disabilities and helping provide support, all while working within the framework needed for my limited capacities. Some skills I do not yet possess and some areas will require more healing and occupational therapy. I am focusing my next two years toward building this resiliency so that I am prepared and ready to contribute again.

Basically, I am making good use of my time to heal and move toward future goals. I am equal parts terrified and excited.

*Short note: My exams and evaluations show that I do have a 6mm residual tumor. It appears to be stable and my providers are not concerned about regrowth. I will have annual assessments to ensure that this does not change. I have follow-up referrals for neurological testing of my auditory nerves. (yay?)