Job Discussion Forums

[birdwatcher]

Hi everybody. I'm a newbie and I'm hoping you guy's can help me with a few questions. I'm wondering how employers in the ESL language schools in Mexico city might react to someone with a disability applying for a teaching position. One of my knees was damaged by arthritis so I walk with a limp and need to use a cane sometimes. Mostly I only need to use the cane outdoors where the ground is uneven. I also need a little extra time going up and down staircases. I generally get around very well, and have no problem at all standing or walking for hours, but I do have some limitations and people ask me about my limping. I'm not sure I consider myself a person with disabilities, as I'm in very good shape outside of my knee problem. I'm on medication that keeps the arthritis in well in check. I'm a 44 year old male and I don't have a college degree. I want to take a TESL course in Mexico, probably followed by an internship to gain some experience before job hunting for paying work. I wonder if employers would be okay about hiring me if they notice my limp. What are the usual physical activities of a teacher in a language school- are you carrying very heavy books and papers from class to class? Are you standing up most of the day? Thanks!

[ls650]

[Sgt Killjoy]

Without a degree, you are gonna be doing grunt TEFL work and that means a lot of hours put in to get an ok salary. You may not be able to cope and without degree, the better job are off limits.

Now the big question: Why do you want to go to Mexico? Are there any other skills you might have?

[Aabra]

At my old school we had a teacher who only had 1 leg. (She walked around with crutches.) It didn't stop her from being a great teacher.

Walking with a limp by comparison is nothing. There's no real discrimination that I've seen. I have to agree with the others in that not having a degree is your biggest concern although it's not something you can't overcome. Lots of places will hire you without one. (Publicly they state that it's required but the reality is that some places will take what they can get.)

[lozwich]

Hiya Birdwatcher,

I'm a teacher who just had a whole bunch of osteoarthritis whipped out of her knees. You'll probably be able to get your Mobic or similar meds a lot cheaper in Mexico, so that'll help financially. As for the cane, you can get yourself a handy satchel type bag or backpack to carry everything, and put the weight more on your hips or back, which will make getting around a bit easier.

As for the other comments about doing grunt work, if that is the case, you might find you're having to do a lot more travel around Mexico City to get to your classes, and this is what could present a challenge for you. Before my operations I was travelling in DF, and found the metro a bit difficult when my knees were hurting, not to mention the uneven footpaths.

It might present a challenge for you, but not in the way of discrimination you described.

Good luck!
Lozwich.

[birdwatcher]

Thanks for all your replies! I know that not having a degree will limit my choices and opportunities, ls650, but since it isn't completely impossible to find work I want to give it a try. Sgt. Killjoy, I have many reasons I want to live in Mexico, mainly because I feel at home there. I find the amazing art, architecture, and people inspiring. The city is so alive with color, energy, and intensity. I love Mexico. I spent two weeks in Centro Historico a few months ago, and made two friends that I've kept in touch with, so I don't feel I'll be competely alone there. I've accquired many different work skills over the years that could be applied to a number of jobs, but I want to teach. I've made my living for over 25 years mostly as a designer and decorator for special events and nightclubs. The work is very physically demanding, and I am ready for a change. I have also bought and sold antiques for a few years, and worked in sales at high end and specialty boutiques. I know it might sound fancy, but I'm a very down to earth person who has lived high and low. My work has involved training and instructing poeple, detailed planning and organizing, a gazillion details to manage on multiple projects, and perhaps most importantly related to teaching- creative thinking. I'm aware that I may have to pay some dues before I find a job with better hours and pay. Do things improve for teachers without degrees after they have put in a few years teaching? [/quote]

[birdwatcher]

Hi Aabra, I bet that teacher with one leg has learned things through her situation that she can apply to teaching, and life in general. I've learned patience and persistence, and how to adapt in ways that have surprised me. I know that my limping and using a cane is no way near as extreme as what some people cope with every day, and luckily, my arthritis symptoms are minimalized in warm weather. I'm not sure what Mexican additudes are towards people with disabilities, I'm sure there isn't a single answer. I want to know how much material a teacher in a language school carries around. Some co-workers and employers may not be supportive, for example, if I ask someone else to carry an overhead projector downstairs to my class. When someone helps me I always remember to find some way to help them in return. Lozwich - Yes I've bought my medicine in Mexico before, and it was very affordable. My prescription somehow went missing on my trip, and I went to a small private hospital, where a very kind Nurse wrote a new one for me. For free. She was so sweet and kind with me, I felt better immediately. I had many beautiful moments like this in Mexico. I use a backpack all the time - especially for grocery shopping. I also use a cane that I can fold up and throw in my backpack, so even if I'm feeling fine in the morning, I've got it with me if my day turns out to super busy and I want to use it on my way home. The stairs in the Metro can be challenging at some stations, also the very narrow crowded sidewalks, but I managed fine. I learned to find the streets with less traffic to travel on during rush hours. I noticed that some stations have no handrails on the staircases, the same in many other buildings! New York is no piece of cake either, but I'm far too determined to do what I want or need to let my knee get in the way! : )Thanks again!

[hlamb]

Birdwatcher, I have been teaching in Mexico for 18 months at two different schools and I have (technically) a disability. I have one glass eye, due to glaucoma related to cataracts at birth, and have vision of 20-50, corrected, in the other eye. I don't drive but as I wouldn't recommend anyone drive in Mexico, this hasn't been a problem! I don't consider myself disabled because i can do whatever i want most people don't notice right away that i have vision problems. It hasn't come up in hiring and is never an issue in the schools I've worked for. Some students ask me politely but directly about my vision and seem to have no problem with my answer and others don't ever seem to notice. Don't worry about it. And good luck!

[Sgt Killjoy]

[leslie]

Bye

[birdwatcher]

Thanks, hlamb and Sgt. Killjoy, your encouragement is truly appreciated. I really want to make this happen. It's important to me that I am a good teacher, that makes learning fun, and teaches in an effective way. I remember my own favorite teachers well. I've been doing what I can to prepare for this transition into living and teaching in Mexico. I'm hoping to be there in 6 to 8 months, I'm currently working and saving for the move. I study Spanish about 2 hours a day, I've been teaching myself for a few years, and I can communicate on any subject, but with plenty of errors!! : ) I'm also thinking that while I'm still in N.Y.C. it might be a good idea to attend some classes and workshops on grammar, creative writing, and public speaking, and to improve my understanding of English in general. Do you guys have any ideas about what I can do to prepare? Any books I might want to read?

[leslie]

Bye

[birdwatcher]

Thanks leslie, those are good ideas. I've been thinking about doing some volunteer work, I would really like to find a conversation club! I'm going to look around!

[Sgt Killjoy]

If you want it, birdwatcher, you can accomplish it.

[samizinha]

I have seen the passable, the bad, and the ugly of employability and disability in Mexico City.
At my school, there are no people with long-term physical disabilities. Many students temporarily use canes, crutches, or sometimes even wheelchairs. It would be difficult to say if there is outright discrimination for people with long-term disabilities. My guess would be that the five story building, with no elevator, would be enough to stop somebody from wanting to try. There have been petitions for years to put in an elevator, to no avail.
When asked about the accommodation for students with learning disabilities, I have been told that �they do not exist� at the school. If a student is struggling with what is perceived to be a learning problem, they are sent to �psychiatric services� for a diagnosis.
I have seen one person with a vision impairment get hired, only to be given a hard time by the students and taunted, ignored, or pitied by their fellow employees behind their back. This person was let go because they didn�t have a good rapport with the students, but this rapport was due to the severe discrimination.
I have attended conferences on disability rights, with people with disabilities here, hearing over and over how many barriers there are to employment. According to the 2000 census in Mexico, only 25% of people with disabilities in Mexico are employed- 14% of that group earned almost no money, and 22.6% earned less than the minimum wage. Mexico is not the only country with these statistics; they are similar in Canada, and the United States.
Federal laws and international conventions have been signed by Mexico, protecting the rights of people with disabilities in areas such as employment, but the laws have few regulations or �teeth� for justice. Furthermore, even though the laws exist, employers can find very subtle ways to discriminate and never hire an employee with a disability in the first place.
Foreign born teachers seem to have an advantage, as do people who are perceived with a more �minor� disability. Employability often depends on the severity of the impairment and if employers feel it will hurt their bottom line.
To say that having a disability is no problem in Mexico is neither factual nor just. To say that you should �try hard� and you will make it is also unfair, especially for the person with the disability. It is the employer�s responsibility to recognize the rights of each person who applies or works for them.