Attitudes to lookout
for in Hiring a PA
Common attitudes and some humor.
- Saviors: those that don't understand how people with disabilities can
go on living without their brand of religious belief.
- Rehab specialists: those that think we need to spend our lives putting
our socks on instead of getting help so we can go to work.
- Condescending: those that pat us on the head saying how marvelous or
courageous or what an inspiration we are for trying to live a normal life
- Do-gooders: those that decide we are a charity case
- Pity: those that look at us with that you poor...
- Seeing people with disabilities as children: those that see people with
disabilities as proverbial children in need of parental supervision.
- Healers: those that think our life will have more meaning when there is
a cure.
- New Age Approach: they may tell you it was good you choose to be
incarnated in this day and age since there is so much technology available.
Feelings of Desperation
On Decision Making
Time and pressure to hire someone quickly increases the stress in decision
making and choosing a PA. This can distort our perceptions about someone. It can cause us
to ignore certain warning signs of attitudes, behaviors or feedback on what might become a
problem.
Use the application process to assist you in the screening. Stick to it as much as you
can. Pay attention to the information you get that results from it.
For example: if you have a difficult time arranging a convenient, safe and accessible
location for an interview. If people have excuses for not showing up for an appointed
interview. Does the reason seem legitimate? Is the person hesitant about the process you
have for hiring. Is completing a background inquiry a problem for them. Is being direct
about your needs somehow awkward for the potential PA?
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