I am a firm believer that just about everyone has the ability to earn enough to meet everyday needs and achieve their goals if they are determined enough to do it. After counselling hundreds of people, I have found that the key component that influences the level of their financial success is their mindset.

I was forced to reflect on my conviction while making a donation to a visually impaired couple who were begging in New Kingston. Despite my view that all persons had the potential to earn their way in life, did the physical and societal challenges faced by these blind persons allow them the same opportunities to excel as able-bodied people?

Is disability a deterrent to financial success?

Hope for the financial future

I contacted the Abilities Foundation to discover what services were provided to give disabled persons hope for their financial future. Manager Grace Taylor explained that the Abilities Foundation, a skills training institution, offers vocational certification for persons with disabilities aged 17 and over. It gives instruction in garment construction, housekeeping, data operation, general office administration, furniture making, and horticulture and landscaping.

“The aim is that on completion, our students will be able to find a job or become self-employed,” Taylor revealed. Income-generating products created by the students include soft furnishings such as cushions, pillows, sheets and curtains; wooden stools, trays and name plates; and jewellery. The Foundation, with the help of the Jamaica Business Development Centre, is seeking to expand and market these product lines.

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The Foundation does not only focus on providing the disabled community with marketable skills, Taylor continued, as there is an emphasis on holistic development through personal development sessions that are geared to help them to fit into society.

Rising above the challenges

Taylor noted that one of the major challenges facing the graduates is the negative perception of the capability of the disabled persons to perform in the workplace. “In the job market, persons with disabilities are not recognised as having value,” Taylor pointed out, “and sometimes they are employed out of pity.”

When faced with job discrimination, Taylor encouraged disabled persons to create their own opportunities. “Find an institution that can train you,” she advised, “and look for an individual with a disability who has excelled, who can motivate you.” Taylor recommended the self-employment route and affirmed that “by charting your own course and surmounting the obstacles that come, you will build confidence in your ability to succeed.”

Devon Oliver, a visually impaired entrepreneur, is living proof that the level of your financial success is in direct correlation to your mindset. I first met Oliver at a presentation to independent business owners who use mobile technology to purchase and sell products. At first, I assumed Oliver was just a guest; but when he started to answer other persons’ questions, I realised that he was very much a part of the business.

I enquired of Oliver how he was able to transact this text message business on his mobile phone when he was blind. He shared with me his intriguing story:

“For three years, I had been selling paper phone cards in St Mary, until I bought a batch of cards that were rejected because they had been stolen. I called one of the phone companies to ask if there was any other way to sell phone credit without using cards or the swipe machine. They introduced me to a programme that used text messaging to sell credit. I was determined to try this new system, and spent many hours familiarising myself with my phone keypad. When I was confident in my skill, I started selling credit from my phone and I have never looked back.”

A clear vision makes up for lack of sight

Oliver revealed that he has never let his lack of sight prevent him from excelling. He credited his parents and other positive persons for encouraging him and supporting his endeavours. His experience as a boarder at the Salvation Army School for the Blind, Oliver added, helped to teach him self-sufficiency.

Oliver doesn’t let his disability be a deterrent to making money. “Whatever you really want to do, you have to find the ways to get it done despite the challenges,” he asserted. “Your opportunity is out there – it’s just for you to get up, put your mind to it, and put your all in it.”

With a spirit that should shame many able-bodied persons who complain about their financial difficulties, Oliver concurred that being optimistic was the key to success. “If there are limitations in your mind, you’ll prevent yourself from achieving your goals. Release your mental blocks and say ‘Yes, I can do it!’ ”

Although many disabled persons are very capable of working in their areas of expertise, society makes it harder for them to achieve because of ignorance and prejudice. If you have the power to provide job opportunities, I encourage you to participate in the spirit of Mission: H.O.P.E. – Helping Others to Prosper and Excel. Contact the Abilities Foundation or any other organisation that trains disabled persons, and open up your workplace to them.

“There are none so blind as those who will not see.” – Thomas Chalkley

Copyright © 2009 Cherryl Hanson Simpson. No reproduction without written consent.

Originally published in The Daily Observer, January 22, 2009

Cherryl is a financial consultant and coach, founder of Financially S.M.A.R.T. Services. See more of her work at www.financiallyfreenetwork.com and www.financiallysmartonline.com. Contact Cherryl