2. Will I be able to work for a living?
Any Brachial Plexus Injury, even a very mild one will affect your employment at the time of your injury, particularly if you are employed in an occupation that needs both hands and arms. Obviously, the severity of the injury plays an important part in future employment choices, but as you can see from the responses to this question below, having a BPI need not be an obstacle to finding gainful employment.
"Depends on what job you want to do. I worked in an office so I was physically capable of doing it. My biggest worry was facing clients..would the arm put them off? This turned out not to be an issue, they either don't notice or ask polite questions...I've had several interviews post injury, all of them saw my recovery as a positive aspect of my abilities and I was offered all the jobs I was interviewed for. "
" Yes, I'm currently working as a software developer."
"...I was a roofer, couldn't do that anymore. Went back to school (had no qualifications other than my 25 yard swimming certificate) . Got a degree in computer stuff and now have a fairly well paid job writing computer programs."
" Yes, without a doubt, although I have a hard job throwing black refuse sacks in the back of a lorry, I was determined not to let it beat me (and the foreman) I NEVER GAVE UP. "
" Well, I never went back to my job as a tailor and I couldn't even take up a post training other people, but later on a taught myself how to make jewellery from beads. Using some of the tools and other bits taken off the Stanmore flail arm splint helps me to do this."
"In my case, yes, at the same job in a bank."
"...I'm now a Senior Production Controller in the Aerospace industry. Use your brains, don't worry about manual stuff...."
"......I am determined to return to my job (as a carpet fitter) just to prove people (and myself) wrong..."
Returning to work, if possible, is a very important part of rehabilitation. Your employer at the time of your injury is legally bound (in the UK ) to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 part 2 and has a duty to try to make adjustments at your place of work to allow you to carry on in your employment.
Some employers are, however, exempt from this act, for example the Fire Service and those employing less than 15 people.
Most employers are only too happy to work with a Disability Employment Advisor (DEA) from the local Jobcentre on an Employment Assessment to help you to be able to return to work. Access to Work could also be very helpful for assessing your needs and giving advice to you and your employer. If you feel your employer has been less than helpful or you feel you have been discriminated against, then the Disability Rights Commission should be contacted for advice.
If it is impossible to return to your original employment, then re-training should be considered. There are now many opportunities for this and most large cities and towns have facilities for re-training adults, particularly in computer related courses such as C.A.D. and office skills. One of the best known residential colleges in England is the Queen Elizabeths Foundation for Disabled people.
The local Job Centre and the DEA is a good starting point when looking for opportunities to re-train and the Job Introduction Scheme is also worth enquiring about. Other schemes that are available are Work Preparation Scheme (for people who have been unemployed for a while) and New Deal (for those on certain health related benefits)
