Do you find that this is morally wrong?

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So, apparently, the US government offers some kind of special, less-competitive hiring process for anyone who can prove that: 1.) They have a documented disability, and 2.) They are qualified for the job in question. I was diagnosed with autism at age 3, but by most people's standards, I'm extremely high-functioning, borderline NT. I'm looking for input from other high-functioning autistic/Asperger's people on whether or not it's acceptable for me to take advantage of this program. Keep in mind two things... number one, I currently have a job, in my field of study (meteorology), but am looking for a better one. And number two, the program is open to people with all kinds of disabilities, not just autism. It's not like I'd be competing with people far less skilled, since you are still required to be "qualified" for the job, but in this age of affirmative action and overkill political correctness, especially in government, I can't help but feel like the term "qualified" is able to be interpreted broadly, especially where hiring quotas may be involved. I don't want to steal a job through this program from someone who CAN'T get a job another way... so I ask you, is it a complete douchebag move to even consider using it?

No. I would take advantage of it. If you need a job, it's a good way to get one.

It's up to you. If you're thinking about it this much, though, maybe it transgresses your standards of right and wrong even if it may not be wrong to some.

Riiiiiiiiight. That's what they all say.

If you have autism, you are impaired in the ability to notice, or interpret or appropriately respond to other people's nonverbal signals (Empathy). People around you may be rolling their eyes behind your back at your odd quirks and you would never know, because that's your disability. Neurotypical people don't always say what they think - certainly not to your face.

I had no idea that I wasn't NT (although I knew I wasn't particularly good at it), until I was 45 and it wasn't diagnostically confirmed until 49. It wasn't until I seriously began to study the disorder and take plenty of time to review my entire life and my career in broadcasting in light of this new information, that I began to realize just how impaired I had been all those years and how much autism had impacted and influenced every job and personal relationship I ever had.

In any case, a disability is a disability. Autism can be as handicapping in it's own way as a missing limb - in fact, metaphorically speaking, that's pretty much what it is. If assistance is available, don't turn your nose up at it, just because you're convinced you're 'only a little handicapped.'

I wouldn't try taking responsibility for the decisions of others. Who's to know why people hired me or didn't hire me over the years. I really think it's not something you can control at all in any sense and if you want the job, just apply.

I have a job already... and one that's in my field of study too. I want a better one, which is half the reason I feel this might be a dick move.

Regardless of "how autistic" myself or anyone else thinks I am, the fact remains that there are many, many people whose disabilities effect their lives a hell of a lot more than mine does, and I don't want to be the reason they're unemployed just because I want to make a little more money.

I don't know if it does or not... that's why I brought the question here. I'd like to think I'm competing with equals... other high-functioning autistic people, or maybe someone with a physical disability and a brilliant mind. I don't know... I really don't like playing the "I'm autistic, give me sympathy" card... ever. I've done it before, with success, to get things I want and to stay out of trouble and it's not something I'm proud of at all and regret quite a bit, actually. I'm not sure whether or not this is along the same vein though...

Last edited by Pabalebo on 25 Mar 2014, 8:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.

It isn't a question of whether or not to apply, it's a question of whether or not to apply using this special federal program for people with disabilities.

You seem to me to be answering your own moral question here: You are feeling like this could well be a "dick" move, so it sounds like you have doubts that may bother you later if you got the job on that basis.. You have a highly developed moral conscience, given that you are giving the question so much thought. So, you are impaired in the "real" world in that way at least, and you should take advantage of these kinds of programs if you really need to.

A highly developed moral conscience is an impairment? Well, yeah... yeah I suppose it is. Or maybe I just read that wrong.

Yes, just apply using this special federal program for people with disabilities.

Do you think you're not disabled enough? It's not your call. You have no way of knowing the outcome. You may not even know the limits of your disability - in offices, I had a terrible time with sighing and not smiling and rubbing my face when I think. These small things were held against me strongly.

I came up with his joke.

"I know life isn't fair. I just wish it was unfair more so in my favor."



LIFE IS NOT FAIR!

If you get a way to better yourself because a program is there to benefit you, take advantage of it. You gain nothing by staying is a less-lucrative position by thinking it's more noble to do so.

It seems to me that any program would be set up with specific criteria for inclusion. Let the rules decide rather than trying to decide for yourself. If the program includes someone with your "disability" than you are entitled to the benefits of the program.

To me, there's nothing wrong with being a moral person.

If you could get that "better" job without the playing the disability card, I would take that approach. If you believe your disability interferes, in any way, with you getting that "better job," I would play the disability card.

I, myself, would prefer not to play the disability card--but if my living depends on it, I wouldn't feel guilty about using all the resources at my disposal.

Another consideration: would the employer know you were in that "program" when you apply for the job? If he would know, I would apply mainstream. There's still a considerable amount of prejudice against people with disabilities, and a considerable amount of blackmail directed against people with disabilities.

It does seem like kind of a dick move, honestly.
You'll be competing with people who've NEVER had jobs and are using this as their only chance to even GET a job.