Suggestions for potential jobs for newly disabled young man? HELP

[TroglodyteScholar]

Folks, I have a close friend whose 18-year-old son is going off to college in a small town in about a month. He had a decent job lined up, but in his last week of highschool, he had an accident in shop class. Basically, he sliced his left hand between the thumb and forefinger much of the way up to his wrist, mostly destroying that joint. Luckily, he's right-handed, so he'll have less adjusting to do than he might otherwise. But his left hand is entirely out of commission until at least several months after his last surgery (still not even scheduled). They won't have to fuse the joint, fortunately...rather, he'll get a spacer inserted so he will ultimately have partial motion in his thumb.

Anyway, this kid needs to earn money to pay his rent, utility, etc, but he and his family are still kind of in shock and terribly discouraged. I mentioned that he could probably be a cashier in most any kind of store, but that idea was greeted with a lukewarm response. They're still very caught up on talking about all the things he CAN'T do. I told him he'd probably have to end up making his living using his head rather than his hands. I know he's pretty good at math, and enjoys it. Again, his college is in a small town, so opportunities will already be somewhat limited. Can you fine DUers help me help a friend and post some potential part-time jobs he may be able to do with full use of only one hand? T

Thanks in advance!

[Kittycat]

1. Contact the local Unemployment office

They can help him find a position, and he can use their job search tools for free. :)

[silverlib]

2. I can share the jobs my 19 year-old has enjoyed...

She delivered pizzas and averaged about $16 an hour, but had an auto accident and insurance didn't appreciate her line of work. It was a bad accident and she is also awaiting plastic surgery (probably in September) - damage to her face from glass, so now she works for a bail bonds company - she is working on a criminal justice major. She loves this job, although it does not pay nearly as much. She can also make extra by being on call to actually go to the jail and help the clients fill out the paperwork. It's sad when young people have to deal with these things. Hopefully he won't let this injury stop him. I would think that either of these jobs can be done with one hand.

Best of luck!

[TroglodyteScholar]

5. Good suggestions, thanks

:)

[proud patriot]

3. working with kids is always a good choice

[Donnachaidh]

4. Depending on the long term prognosis of what use he'll get back

He may also be eligible for free training through the state employment offices. I would call them and make an appointment to talk to a counselor.

[Historic NY]

6. Should speak to a school official, they sometimes have job....

programs for kids, I am sure there is something they can line up for him. I had a friend who son did the same thing had a brilliant golf career until he was injuried. He went back at it and played on his college team.

[TroglodyteScholar]

7. Wow, that is fortunate that your friend's son was able to resume golfing...

The kid I'm trying to help out was dead set on going into the military, but his injury is serious enough to rule that out altogether, barring some kind of miracle :(

[KamaAina]

8. Voc Rehab

That's what they do (or are supposed to, anyway): find jobs for people with disabilities. Every state has a Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (some are better than others).

[unsavedtrash]

9. See if the college has work study.

It's not a lot of money but it is a job. They can line up jobs in all areas of school- library, offices, computer labs, and rec. centers.
Also, see if any lawyers in the town needs runners.

Does the college have an off campus association? UA has this and the organization will pay to have utilities turned on for a very small yearly fee.

Tell him to check with the Disabilities Office too because there is a good chance they will help him with book fees.