I'm still here, whosedog. Actually, you are incorrect on the idea of my being content to just collect the SSD checks. It's a fixed income and there is no way to insure ends will meet, unless other forms of assistance are available. It's a hard life, and a far cry from being out on the road for a week, and coming back to a detached single-family home with a car that's less than 3 years old in the driveway.
On the issue with Voc-Rehab: I was set up to do a cleaning job, under Supported Employment. The requirements would be that I work 2 hours doing light cleaning, and then perform another 3 hours of "community service". With my not being all too happy with the limits imposed by the medical community, I was still willing to do what it would take to supplement my income and somehow afford a car repair. That did not work out for long. I was terminated from that job the second day because a community official did not trust me being around, and working with, a young college intern. Then the issue of my training an adult with cognitive issues how to operate a piece of equipment also got me in trouble. I'm back where we started.
It seems obvious to me, that there are no options for employment. And, Michigan Rehabilitative Services has no interest in cooperating with me, because of issues I had with this last cleaning job fiasco. I tried to convince them that I would most likely be better off with a job on the road, because then there would not be as much human contact required. Their response was that since the janitorial job didn't work, it certainly wasn't going to work driving a commercial vehicle.
At this point, I am on my own I guess. I would have liked to see if hdblue had come up with any ideas to share, but I guess not. The thread may be old, but I think the discussion is still valid. My driving is STILL better than 90% of the other people I see out on the road.
NS
Autism and the DOT Physical
Discussion in 'Driver Health' started by NorfolkSouthern, May 3, 2008.
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Good to hear from you Norfolk Southern,sorry things aren't working out as you hoped.I wouldn't put to much faith in finding work through government channels,when I was just out of school I tried that route and didn't find it helpful. Do you like landscaping? I'm a member of a landscapers forum called lawnsite;if interested you could join and search for employment there(no fees for joining) Other than that have you tried Craigs list etc. for janitorial jobs etc?I've been a custodian for 35 years on the 2nd shift and have limited contact w/ people,I just like that shift better less people= less stress.One of my sons is working 3rd shift and there's even less people to deal with on that one.I know jobs are hard to come by in Michigan,but there should be something you could do,another idea if you belong to a church that's always a good way to find jobs in the community.Do you like to paint? When I was hard up for cash I put handyman ads in the paper(paint,wallpaper,home repairs ,yardwork etc and often had more work than I could handle.Well, wish you luck and hope you find what you're looking for.
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I have tried Craigs List, and even had a resume set up and designed by an employment contracting agency. I attached that resume, along with several applications, to all of he cleaning companies within my driving distance. Plus, made several phone calls to them. I had one employer tell me that they were not going to hire me, and the rest gave me no response at all. I also found listings for groundskeepers. However, they were requiring at least a year of recent experience running grounds keeping equipment, which includes mowers, line trimmers, and leaf blowers. My long employment gap leaves me ineligible for those jobs too, unfortunately.
So, instead of looking for an actual paid position, I have been setting my sights on doing some local volunteer work. I don't think I have many options, at least not until I can get this D.O.T. physical issue fixed. My main obstacle at this point, is my hearing. I have already been determined fit for operating a large commercial vehicle by a licensed neuro-psychologist who specializes in autism. I believe I may stand a better chance if I find an employer who will set me up with a physical. Meanwhile, I am thinking about saving up and working towards an FAA medical certificate (3rd class medical for a pilot's license), and then maybe build some hours to fly a piston-single solo. The requirements for getting all this medical evidence is exhaustive. But if I can pull it off, then I can be reasonably assured of a guaranteed valid D.O.T. medical, leaving any hiring question moot on the part of the employer. The goal here would be to make me look as solid as a blue-chip company like IBM to a potential employer. And no, I would never expect them to put just anybody off the street on a big rig and send them off. I am being realistic here.
I have also done some research on the news media, and can see that the D.O.T. requirements give many opportunities for drivers to fall through the cracks. I suppose I could have just as easily visited a D.O.T. certificate mill and got the card. But I really don't want to go that route because in a minor scrape involving my strait truck and someone's small convertible in the way of the loading dock would more than likely yield some less than desirable results. I'm sure you all understand that situation.
NorfolkSouthern -
NS,
I have aspergers, hence my nickname "The Autistic trucker" and would be more than happy to sit down with you on the phone and give you some tips. PM me your number and I'll help you out. I plan on driving though it is hard to get a job in Florida. Michigan is another story though.
KHTheHealthyDriver and U4EA Thank this. -
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Hi NS!
I've been recently diagnosed with Autism and I'm 37 years old. I'm now in something of a flux because, like you mentioned, I'm having trouble with communicating non-verbally with my coworkers. I find I'm often getting thrown under the bus or flat out ignored so I can't help but feel empathetic with your experience and I hope that you are now logging many miles on the road 3 years later.
I have a master's degree in Information Systems and can no longer stomach the thought of working in IT hell and the associated social stresses. In short, I'm putting myself through CDL-A school just so I can earn a decent living and to come in, do my job, and leave without having to navigate some of the other turbulent waters. Driving a large truck is kind of fun - I think I'd rather be a locomotive engineer but I've simply been unable to even get a freight conductor job. BTW, I'm a Challenger, Big Boy, and Dash 9 locomotive fan.
I'm struggling a bit with the backing up part but shifting gears is a breeze, my instructor was impressed with how quickly I mastered the clutch as I guess I was one of a few students he's had that has experience driving stick. Have you got any advice for me? -
It has been a few years since I've written on this thread. However, I still consider it to be quite valid to the industry when the D.O.T. medical is taken into consideration. I indeed did try to get another physical from a primary physician, but that only met with failure when he made the requirement for me to see a psychiatrist to verify that no medications nor treatment are needed. That plan had backfired, because the psychiatrist would not approve of ANY adult with ANY form of developmental disability, however minor, operating a commercial vehicle of any type. So, I'm back to square one, with a new primary physician who seems to be more in agreement with my reasoning that I am indeed kosher to drive, because of my perfect driving record. I have not given up on the fight, and I will continue to do battle for as long as I am able to. I am sure I would be better off driving a truck for an expeditor service than wasting away on Social Security disability.
NorfolkSouthern -
A lot of folks out there are also just plain mean as rattle snakes and don't seem to compute that not everyone enjoys living on Social Security Disability. I'd wager that few people actually do because it doesn't feel good to be unproductive, it's depressing. I don't want to waste away on SSD either, especially because there may be a link between Autism and Alzheimers. I agree that it would be better for you to be driving because you were productive, happy, and, most importantly, safe. I see almost on a daily basis, truckers in 18 wheelers tailgating.
I've also found a lot of employers to be just plain shortsighted. Most folks with Autism Spectrum Disorder are high functioning, dependable and make few complaints. Why not play to our strengths? Not all jobs require teamwork or fitting into some sort of corporate mold.The Challenger Thanks this. -
I have heard of at least one locomotive engineer who was diagnosed with Asperger's, but I don't think that position requires an actual medical certificate like a truck driving position would. Part of this may be because trains don't mingle with traffic; trucks do. I can't be all too sure, because I have never tried to get in or do research in that field. By the way: For a locomotive, I prefer an EMD. They just look and sound better, especially the older units made before 1990. I have never cared for GE, because they just don't seem to have the personality, looks, or the ability to put on a show like an EMD.
NorfolkSouthern -
@mattymatt
Here's the job description: Signal Maintainer
After an initial three week orientation and training period, Apprentice Signal trainees’ start out on signal construction gangs. They travel system-wide, depending upon the assignments and current corporate needs, installing the NS signal system. Construction gang employees typically travel on Sundays to the work site to start the workweek early Monday mornings. The workweek may be comprised of four 10-hour days, although they can extend longer. The work of a signal construction gang is physical, demanding work. It requires work in all types of weather, in all elements. On site, most of the work involves construction-type work including hand digging with shovel and pick. Signal systems are installed in the same areas as underground fiber optic cables; extreme care needs to be taken during construction. Employee is responsible for providing own transportation from their home to the lodging at the work location. NS pays the cost of hotel rooms and also provides a per diem stipend and meal allowance as governed by the union agreement.
Requirements include the ability to obtain a Class-A Commercial Drivers License within 90 days of employment. Electrical experience and/or educational training in electronics are also preferred. It is advised that the successful applicant, when called to begin the process, should go ahead and begin the process of obtaining the learner's permit for the CDL so that when they exit the Signal school, they will be able to drive with a licensed driver immediately. We will assist you in obtaining the CDL by providing the vehicle and giving you the opportunity to drive. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET THE CDL.
We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. We test hair for illegal drugs as part of our pre-employment medical evaluation. Hair testing can reveal any drug use in the last 90 days. If you are unable to provide a hair sample from the head, arms, chest, or legs we will treat that failure as a refusal which will result in rejection of the application for employment.Last edited: Jul 2, 2018
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