In life, everyone has obstacles, but people with disabilities tend to face particular challenges.
“In many cultures, disability has been associated with curses, disease, dependence, and helplessness,” the Rehabilitation Research & Training Center (RRTC) explains.
For many people with a disability, stigma comes in the form of being left out of activities, stereotyped, and discriminated against. Many are also denied housing or jobs as a result of misguided assumptions— even though these types of actions go directly against the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Macandi Lavoile, 19, from Fort Meyers, Florida, has experienced these difficulties first hand.
Macandi became mute because of medication that has been locked in his respiratory system for over a year.
The condition presented itself in 2017, and shortly thereafter, Macandi was let go from his job. Luckily, the teen’s condition can be treated with surgery— but without a job, he doesn’t have the money to cover the cost.
“I was let go because of me being mute.”
Every day, the young man walks miles around town, handing out letters and resumes in hopes that someone will give him a job.
Since being let go, Macandi has applied for nearly 20 jobs, Fox 4 Now reports— but sadly, he’s been rejected from every one. Despite his struggles, the young man is determined and refuses to give up.
Macandi went viral when a stranger spotted him wandering around town and handing out letters.
They read:
“Hello, My name is Lavoile, Macandi. I am 19 years old and eagerly looking for employment.
“Unfortunately, I cannot speak but I can communicate through writing and texting. In all other ways, I am strong. I have excellent hearing, sight and am physically strong and able to stand and lift objects.
“I am energetic, loyal, and a hard worker. I do not do drugs, smoke or drink alcohol. While I do not have transportation, I like within a reasonable distance of your place of business and am willing to walk to and from work. I will be on time.
“I am hopeful you have a position open where I can prove myself.”
When the stranger, Tiera Lugo, saw him, she was inspired by his ambition and snapped a photo of him and his letter.
On June 23rd, she uploaded the picture to Facebook with a post sharing his story.
“I don’t want to hear anyone make excuses as to why they can’t get a job and make money,” she wrote. “He’s literally walking everywhere in the Florida sun. Can someone help me find this boy a job?”
MAKE THIS GO VIRAL!!!!!I don’t want to hear anyone make any excuses as to why they can’t get a job and make…
Posted by Tiera Lugo onSaturday, June 23, 2018
Since then, the woman’s post has been shared 1.9k times.
People in the comments were inspired by Macandi’s ambition. Many of them offered him jobs or said they would help him get a job at their work.
The Lee County of Remarkable Citizens (LARC) has built a work training program geared towards disabled people and are now helping Macandi too. “Through our experiences, we’ve seen individuals with disabilities with the proper training and the proper support be real high performers in the workplace,” Kevin Lewis, LARC executive director, explained.
“I think there’s increasing awareness that what we used to think of people with disabilities are now people with capabilities.”
There haven’t been any updates on Macandi’s situation— but with his determination, we’re sure he’ll find his dream job soon!
As mentioned, Macandi is currently trying to earn the money he needs for surgery. If you’d like to help, please contact Pamela Jenkins, the director of community services at LARC, at 239-334-6285 or at [email protected].
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