I have been receiving TANF with my children
for quite a while. I am severely learning disabled. I cannot read or write,
or do math. Parenting and dealing with life are real challenges for me. I am
getting help telling this story.
I was tested through vocational
rehabilitation and 96% of people taking the testing did better than me. My
vocational rehabilitation counselor feels that I am a good candidate for
further education, with help. I have tried to complete her G.E.D. on my own
a few times but it always becomes too overwhelming and I stop going. I feel
that I need more individualized support in order to cope with my disability
and finally get my G.E.D.
I tried to comply with the TANF work
requirements but was unsuccessful. I tried to work at a gas station, pumping
gas, but I kept making incorrect change for people and eventually lost the
job. I also tried to work at a retail department store but I only lasted one
day. At first I tried to work on the cash register, but couldn't do it
because of the math skills it required. Then they asked me to take a test on
a computer, but it took me three hours to do a small task. I was let go.
Despite these difficulties, I continued to try to meet the work requirements
without success for many years.
Finally, I have been granted S.S.I. and hope
to get my G.E.D. and move ahead. Without getting help for my learning
disability, I know that I will have difficulty moving my family out of
poverty.
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