BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — It’s took Lisa Carter of Buffalo five years to find the job she has now.
“I do have a masters in business and an undergraduate degree in history, so I do come with the qualification," Carter said "But because we do live in an area where the job market is highly competitive, sometimes I wasn't considered based on experience, and other times it was the fact that some employers don't know how to react when they see a physical difference or impairment."
Lisa Carter, is a wheelchair user, and Carter landed their first work-from-home job in August.
“I'm flashing back to an interview I had on the phone, and I asked if there was an opportunity to work from home, this was several years ago," Carter said. "And they were like no, because of the way our main frame and our system works.”
But fast forward a few years later. Companies large and small had to quickly learn how to accommodate employees working from home.
“So it's proving again where there’s a necessity there can be creativity.”
Tammy Owen is President and CEO of VIA Western New York, which is dedicated to helping the visually impaired. She says work-from-home accommodations can open doors for many western New Yorkers living with disabilities.
“For most people who have to drive from work being visually impaired becomes a big obstacle, so having jobs where you can work from home and you don't have to drive is a huge advantage," she said.
The lack of transportation is also beneficial for people like Carter.
“I’m glad that this has been opened up as a possibility because then it may allow a lot of people who may have barriers to access have their own personal contribution and their own measured employment,” Carter said.
