As a professional with a severe disability, I often wonder if my appearance - specifically the way I dress - has led employers to believe I cannot perform essential job functions of a job. In this article I share my experience and advice about how Latino jobseekers can influence the way people perceive them through clothes, assistive devices, attendants and proper mannerisms.

What to Wear

It is difficult for me to wear suits or Sunday clothes when I do not have scheduled appointments on a particular day. For convenience, my daily attire consists of sweat pants, t-shirts, and no socks and shoes (depending on the weather). This attire is not consistent with the professional world of employment.

During grade school my parents always dressed me in proper school clothes but didn't consider my needs. They put me in blue jeans (with hard-to-use zippers and buttons or snaps), shirts (with buttons), under garments, and socks and lace-up shoes. This made it very difficult to maintain proper restroom care, especially during long car rides or other times when a facility was not nearby. I would often have embarrassing accidents that lead me into depression and frustration as I grew into adulthood.

I blamed myself, as others did, for not having enough control to travel to the nearest restroom. I felt that I was lazy and I did not try hard enough to make it to the restroom, even though this was not true. As I began my college career, I changed the way I dressed to meet my needs and the limits of my condition.

During college I wore sweats or shorts and t-shirts, often without shoes and socks. I was not concerned my appearance as a way to show my desire to be a working professional. I continued to dress this way after I graduated college, using casual clothing at conferences, seminars and meetings. I wanted to dress up but didn't have the resources to do so or the knowledge about where I could go to get professional clothing to meet my needs.

It was not until this year that began to make an effort to dress-up on days I have activities or meetings to attend. I had suits made with Velcro in place of buttons and zippers, and elastic ties and neckwear. It seems there are more options for clothing made with Velcro and elastic for women than for men. If men with disabilities had more readily available options for such clothing it might help lower the unemployment rate of men with disability.

Assistive Devices as Accessories

Some people use assistive technology aids such as manual/electric wheelchairs, scooters, crutches/walkers, communication boards, etc. In order to maintain a professional appearance, professionals should not place stickers, pictures or words on them that might be considered offensive to others. I recognize that displaying words or pictures on one's equipment allows freedom of expression and can show pride. It may be acceptable in some professional settings but not in all. Consider your industry and work environment before decorating your technology.

Attendants

I employ two attendants who assist me with daily activities that are essential to my participation in society. I feel my attendants are a reflection on me, so I hire people who are willing to maintain a professional appearance and exhibit professional behavior. The most important part of professional behavior is to refrain from addressing personal issues in public. The attendant is there to help the person be as productive as possible at meetings and events. Any conflicts between the person with disability and the attendant should be addressed in private.

Etiquette

Lastly, proper mannerism is a very important characteristic that can assist persons with disabilities in preparing for jobs. Simple things such as saying "please" and "thank you" can help you gain the support of others. It is also useful to make eye contact and shake hands when having discussions with potential employers.

It is not useful for wheelchair users to get angry with able-bodied individuals trying to help them like when opening a door, etc. Many able-bodied individuals are unaware how persons with disabilities feel about personal assistance while in public. I always welcome the assistance of able-bodied individuals as I engage in public activities. This allows me the opportunity to meet others, thus expanding my involvement in social and employment activities.

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