Write For The NCCI Blog!

Paid opportunity for writers with disabilities in the North Country!

The North Country Center for Independence, (NCC) in Plattsburgh, New York, is looking for original writing by people with disabilities, on disability-related topics, for publication on  the NCCI Blog. http://ncciblog.blogspot.com

Each month NCCI will post up to two selected pieces written by people with disabilities. NCCI will pay writers $100 for each selected piece. Submissions should meet the following guidelines:

• 300-600 words long.

• Must relate in some way to the experiences and issues of living with physical, intellectual, or mental disabilities.

• We are generally looking for writing focused on the everyday practical, social, and / or emotional experiences of living with disabilities, not on medical research, treatments, or therapies.

Some editorial assistance and feedback will be provided, including comments and suggestions on how drafts can be improved before publication.

NCCI’s Executive Director will choose up to two pieces per month to be published. After each item is posted, the writer may submit a voucher for payment, which will be made within 30 days of receipt.

Submit drafts by email, to: apulrang@icloud.com. Or, paper drafts may be delivered to NCCI at 80 Sharron Avenue, Plattsburgh, NY 12901. For more information call us at 518-563-9058.

The deadline for final drafts is the 15th of each month.

Employment

Job fairs happen periodically around the North Country every year. If you are at all interested in a job search, go to this one on May 21st, and keep an eye out for future job fairs in the area.

Questions to ask yourself if you have a disability and want to explore employment:

• Are you looking for full time, part time, temporary, seasonal, or continuous employment?

• Are you looking for indoor or outdoor work? Physical work or work that’s mainly about thinking, planning, and creating? Do you like simple routines, or do you prefer work with variety and the unexpected? Do you want to work with the public or behind the scenes? Do you want coworkers, or do you prefer working by yourself?

• Do you have a specific career in mind, or are you open to a variety of fields?

• How do you plan to talk about your disability? Will you keep it to yourself or inform your employers … and at what point? Will you need some accommodations on the job? Are you concerned about discrimination or being screened out because of your disability? Can you explain your disability simply, briefly, in a way that makes people more comfortable?

These are just a few questions to get you started, and give your job search some focus. Meanwhile, if you haven’t already, reach out for some additional help with your job search and preparation:

OneWorkSource

A general regional resource for all job seekers.

New York State Adult Career & Continuing Education Services (ACCES-VR)

Provides help and, in some cases, funding assistance for job seekers with disabilities.

New York State Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Provides employment services for people who are blind or visually impaired.

North Country Center for Independence

Peer support and information on employment, benefits management, workplace accommodations, and disability rights laws in the workplace.

A Disability / Mother's Day Reading List

There seems to be a lot of discussion this Mother’s Day about motherhood and disability ... especially about the experiences and barriers faced by mothers with disabilities. Here is just a sample, starting with a series of three articles from Rooted In Rights:

Disabled People Have the Right to Raise Children

Alaina Leary, Rooted In Rights - May 7, 2018

I’m a Mom with a Disability. Here’s How I “Run the Show” in My Family

Maggie Winston, Rooted In Rights - May 9, 2018

As a Chronically Ill Mom, Even Tater Tots Are a Way to Show My Kids Love

Kristin Wagner, Rooted In Rights - May 11, 2018

… And three more reflections on different aspects of motherhood and disability:

Tammy Duckworth is Unapologetically Paving the Way for Disabled Mothers of Color

Alice Wong, Bitch Media - May 11, 2018

Mother: Reflections from a Mother with a Disability

Jennifer Senda, Disabled Parenting Project - May 13, 2018

In My Mother’s Eyes, And Mine

Catherine Kudlick, New York Times - May 9, 2018

Let’s not forget Mothers who aren’t disabled themselves, but advocate for their disabled children, and other disabled people, in smart and innovative ways …

Mother’s loo-sit for disability campaign

BBC Hampshire & Isle Of Wight - May 11, 2018

Finally, this recap of a Twitter chat on disability and motherhood …

5/9/18 #DisabledMamas Twitter Chat for Mother’s Day

Hosted by Alice Wong and Rooted In Rights