Updated on February 19, 2020
How Polio Made Me A Better Ad Writer
I’ve got a bad shoulder/arm. Had it since birth. Actually, both of them are in rough shape now thanks to post-polio syndrome.
So how did having a disability make me a better ad writer, employee and father?
- I never had a chance at being a great athlete – but it didn’t stop me from trying. And trying. And trying. Everything from fencing to wrestling. At age 30 I found out that I could play golf even without deltoids. In my 40’s, I took up skiing. Standup paddleboarding is next on my list. You want someone with perseverance?
- Putting plates away in the cupboard is getting to be a challenge. So do I want them put down where I can reach them easier? Hell, no! Post-polio is definitely a “use it or lose it” proposition. I’ll use one hand supporting under the elbow to get the other arm up there. You want a creative problem-solver?
- My daughter was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic at age 4. She also has a health issue with the growth plates and has one leg shorter than the other. Having a physical disability gave me an understanding of the self-image issues, so I could relate better to her. You want empathy?
- After being bullied and feeling like an outcast, I wanted nothing more than to prove my worth to the world. I became a fighter, a competitor in my workplace – striving to come up with a better idea, better words, better concepts than the guy in the cubicle next door. You want competitive spirit?
The thing about this is, I’m not alone. People with disabilities (seen and unseen) tend to be Type A personalities. They are strivers, driven by a quiet determination. If you are reading this, and if you are ever in the position to hire someone like myself – do it. Not out of pity, but for three purely selfish reasons: you’ll never get anyone more willing to give more of themselves, you’ll never find a person more likely to be loyal and you’ll never find someone more disciplined for success.