Spotlight on Success: Kathleen Schlener

Kathleen Schlener is a human resources assistant for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  As a child, she experienced visual challenges, and became legally blind when she was 15 years old. 

In 1999, when she started her job as a human resources assistant for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Schlener used a closed-circuit TV (a device to assist with reading), a magnifier and Sharpie pens (dark markers) to accommodate for her disability. 

In 2002, Schlener experienced significant vision loss that required her to rethink how she would do her job.  Schlener and her supervisor crafted a position for a “reader” to assist Schlener with tasks that required vision, such as scanning documents for bits of information; organizing and filing documents; and providing the visual information Schlener needs to effectively perform her duties. 

Schlener’s job involves a lot of paperwork from workers’ compensation claims.  "My work is very important to me and it's important that I do my work myself." 

Additionally, Schlener serves as the Region 3 Special Emphasis Program Manager for people with disabilities.  She provides training to line staff, supervisors and managers on disability related topics.

Before she found her current job, Schlener did a lot of cold calling on job leads.  She was a single mom, and things weren't going very well.  She kept losing vision over time.  Nothing was panning out for her.  She realized she had to make some changes in her life, so she took some training at Minnesota Resource Center (MRC).  She heard about her current job through word of mouth. 

Schlener says her co-workers have been very accepting of her disability.  "We have a rule, if you aren't sure about how I do something, just ask." 

Schlener likes knowing she's helped people from the time they become injured and file a workers’ compensation claim through the whole process.  She likes doing something of value.  At the end of each year she likes to look back and know she's made some advancement in some area of her life.

With the right supports in place, Schlener believes she can succeed.  "This job is really important to me.  I'm a go-getter and with the right accommodations I can just go and do it!" 

Schlener encourages people with disabilities who want to work, “Be confident; there is a job out there for you.  You will find work.  Anyone looking for a job has a tough road, and having a disability makes it harder, but don't concentrate on the negatives. You never know what life will bring!"