The Resume of A Handicapable Child

Yes, we have all heard the term “let it all hang out.” Even when it comes to your child’s resume - putting what others perceive to be inappropriate, like a handicap, is now-a-days appropriate. Why? Glad you asked. Being proud of our children includes loving their strengths, weaknesses, challenges, their ups and their downs. How many resumes have you read that lists or mentions a person’s handicap? Not many, but why not? Do you think the person is ashamed of their handicap or that others will not accept them? Possibly.

I am of the notion that it is ok to mention a handicap on your child's resume and here are a few reasons why:

• To let your child know that his or her handicap is nothing to be ashamed of or to hide.
• Might improve chances for your child to be chosen for that position, slot, or role he or she is after – sounds funny, but to some it makes sense. If your child were volunteering at a hospital and will interact with handicapped children wouldn’t you suspect that the handicapped children would feel a lot more comfortable with someone who can empathize with them? Some of you are thinking if I mention my child’s handicap on their resume it could disqualify them from obtaining that position, slot, or role. Not necessarily, just as long as your child can do the job with his or her handicap it should not matter.
• To mention a handicap on a resume is a very transparent move on the part of you, the parents and your child, and may pique the interest of the reader even more to want to meet your child. Yes, I am saying that your child’s handicap may be a door opener as unorthodox as that may sound.
• If someone were to meet your child after reading their resume and seeing a handicap mentioned, there would not be such a “shock” factor and lessen a possible uncomfortable situation for your child and the person that is meeting your child.
• Mentioning your child’s handicap on their resume may appear to the reader as a sign of confidence, strength, and resilience in spite of your child’s challenges.

Parents are encouraged to “pull out all the stops” for their child. It’s ok to mention if your child wears a prosthesis, is deaf but reads lips etc. Your child may be a survivor of a life-threatening illness. Mentioning your child’s handicap or challenge on their resume just might uplift and inspire perseverance in others, and help the next handicapped child not to be bashful about their handicap or challenge. Why not develop your child a resume today?