Looking for a career and have a disability. (IEP, colleges, counselor)

[JesseJames]

I have a form of dyslexia that effects math to the point I can barely handle money. I am employed part time, can't get full time, no jobs in the area are hiring full time. I can't be a cashier, money. I can't pass a college entrance exam, failed every one I tried, 0-5% correct on the math portion. I couldn't even pass high school math. I did graduate because of an IEP. I would love a career working with animals, (Vet/tech, too much math, couldn't get into the schools) or helping people ( Doc/nurse, no way in hell, EMT, formulas for figuring out injections, "You are ordered to administer 0.5mg of atropine sulfate to a patient. The atropine comes 2mg in 1ml. How many milliters will you give?".) Help.

[Zarathu]

You need a career area where measurement and numbers are not involved in any way. This means that you need to hone your verbal skills and language.

If you want to work with animals it cannot be in any science area so you may be looking at horse training, or dog training, or some hands-on aspect of it.

Most of the trade jobs will require some kind of measurement skills, which you don't have and can't get. All of this makes it harder for you because our world is increasingly developed toward math, at least rudimentary math.

You might consider some kind of counseling field. There is very little mathematics if any used there. But you are hampered by the fact that you may be required to take some kind of math.

I would visit your local state college admissions people and explain your needs. College admissions people might be able to fit you up with something. You might need to see an attorney to find out your rights, and get an attorney written 504 Agreement so that you could get the services from a college that the federal government guarantees people with disabilities.

Hope this gives you some avenues you can try.

Bottom line: you need some professional assistance, and probably a sympathetic attorney to get you access to services that you have a right to get and get around stupid requirements that are important for the vast majority, but not for your special situation.

[charz]

I'm a high school special ed teacher who, as a case manager, helps students transition to college or a job. Every state as Vocational Rehabilitation counselors that help special ed students transition after high school. It is free and it is life-long. If you were assigned a vocational rehab counselor as a high school senior, contact that person. If you were not, find the center in your area (google it) and explain your circumstance. Colleges will honor your IEP once you are in school, but you have to meet normal admission requirements in order to get in the college. Technical colleges do not have as strict admission requirements and will generally take most people. You would probably have to take a remedial math course, but that might be good for you and you would have your IEP accommodations in the course. There are many careers that require no math at all--you just have to find them. Vocational rehab counselors can also assist with financial aid. I googled "Vocational Rehabilitation" and several states popped up. I would have posted the link, but I don't know where you live. Veteran Affairs has vocational rehabilitation, too- you don't want that one. I hope this helps.

[deestin1972]

I feel your pain. I'm in the same boat, with learning problems and I have some physical issues. I wish you the best. Do what you can, the best you can. That's all anyone can do in life.