My Journey With Cerebral Palsy and Employment
Working has played a big role in helping me grow more confident and independent as a person with cerebral palsy (CP). I’ve faced challenges, learned to speak up for myself, and found ways to thrive in jobs that pushed me outside my comfort zone.
I know that for many families, thinking about employment with CP can bring up a lot of questions — and sometimes fears. What kind of work will be possible? Will people give my child a chance?
For families wondering what the future might look like for their child, I hope my story shows that meaningful work — and a strong sense of purpose — is possible.
Starting Young: Building Skills and Confidence One Job at a Time
Growing up with cerebral palsy, I figured out pretty early on that the world wasn’t really built with people like me in mind. As a teenager, I was excited to start working, not just to earn some money, but to feel independent.
I searched for jobs where I could connect with people and become more comfortable interacting with strangers. I ended up doing things like helping out in my church’s nursery, babysitting, being a referee, and even coaching soccer for kids and adults of all ages.
Read my soccer blog to see how coaching allowed me to build my confidence levels.
Those early jobs gave me more than money. They also taught me how to interact, adapt and step outside my comfort zone. As I got older and started looking for more formal work, the challenges became more complex.
Cerebral palsy affects how I move, interact with certain environments, and sometimes how people see me. However, it has never affected my ambition, my drive, or what I know I’m capable of achieving.
Learning to Advocate for Myself in the Workplace
Finding employment wasn’t just about updating my resume or nailing interviews — it became a journey of advocating for myself, breaking down assumptions, and proving that I belonged in professional spaces just as much as anyone else.
That journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s pushed me to grow in ways I never expected. I’ve learned how to speak up for myself, to be patient yet persistent, and to keep showing up even when the odds seem to be stacked against me.
Despite the barriers I faced, I had great achievements along the way. Every time someone gave me a chance, I ran with it. I brought energy, commitment, and a willingness to learn. These are qualities that don’t show up on a resume, but speak volumes in the workplace.
One of the biggest wins has been proving to myself and others that I don’t allow my disability to define my potential. With the right support and a bit of creativity, I’ve taken on roles that many people wouldn’t expect someone with a disability to do.
Working at a Law Firm
As I continued moving forward, I encountered some new challenges. College didn’t turn out the way I hoped. Dealing with bullying made it a tough and unhealthy space, so I had to pivot and rethink my plans. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me the importance of protecting my peace and staying flexible.
While working as a stage manager for a theatre, I also found myself getting more interested in the legal world. Soon after, I took on a legal administrator role in an office.
Some of my law firm responsibilities included:
- Filing documents at the courthouse
- Organizing court documents
- Preparing exhibits for upcoming court hearings
Doing that work with cerebral palsy added extra layers, not because I couldn’t do the job, but because I had to adapt.
Things like using filing systems that weren’t always accessible, or even just being taken seriously in a professional setting, required more effort than most people realize.
Still, I showed up, stayed focused, and found ways to make it work. I didn’t want my disability to be seen as a limitation. I wanted my work to speak for itself, and it did.
Taking on Bigger Challenges in the Legal Field
After gaining experience as a legal administrator, I wanted to keep exploring different sides of the field, which led me to a job as a legal courier.
It was a big shift from being at a desk to delivering sensitive legal documents across the city, which included many courthouses and driving. It sounds simple, but with CP, it came with its own set of challenges.
Driving most of the day and delivering many files in different kinds of weather weren’t just minor inconveniences. They were daily obstacles I had to problem-solve around.
That role pushed me to be even more resourceful and reinforced something I’ve always known: I might do things differently, but I can do them just as well.
“I remember when Amie started at the law firm, she came in confidently. If she was nervous, she never let it show. I was always impressed by how she brought new and different perspectives to each new task assigned.”
— Amie’s coworker at the law firm
Dreams Realized: Working on Broadway
All of these experiences — whether behind a desk, delivering documents across town, or managing backstage — helped shape the way I show up in the world. Eventually, my path led me to something I’d dreamed of for years: working on Broadway.
Working in a professional theatre environment at that level was intense, exciting, and incredibly validating. It was proof that with hard work, persistence, and the right opportunities, I could thrive in spaces that few expected me to be in.
In our production assistant's words, “Amie always proved resourceful, reliable, and supportive, ensuring the shows were not only well produced but also a joy to be involved in. Never once did she let cerebral palsy stop her from making meaningful contributions, instead finding opportunities to put her strengths to work.”
Read my theatre blog to hear about my journey to working on Broadway.
Finding My Voice and Making Space for All Kinds of Talent
At this point, I started becoming more vocal about my experience living with cerebral palsy. I realized that just by doing what I do, I was already advocating in my own way.
But I wanted to go further. I began speaking out, connecting with others in the disability community, and sharing my story in ways that challenge stereotypes and open up conversations.
Looking back, every challenge and pivot has helped me build a future that's uniquely mine. I’ve learned to lead with resilience, to advocate not just for myself but for others, and to keep pushing for a world that makes room for all kinds of talent, including those of us with cerebral palsy and other birth injuries.
That’s what led me to my role as an advocate with Cerebral Palsy Guide. It’s a place where I can use my voice to help families, share what’s possible, and remind others living with CP that they deserve to be seen, supported, and heard.
No One Path to Success
Through every twist in my journey — whether it was stepping away from college, navigating inaccessible workplaces, or proving myself in fast-paced, high-pressure environments — I’ve learned how to adapt, advocate, and push forward.
Living with cerebral palsy hasn’t been easy, but it’s given me a perspective and drive that I carry into everything I do. From backstage to inside law offices and everywhere in between, I have learned that success doesn’t follow one path, and it certainly doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
“If there is one thing I hope others with cerebral palsy can take from my story, it’s that you don’t have to wait for permission to advocate for yourself.”
— Amie Kroessig, Patient Advocate and Outreach Coordinator living with cerebral palsy
You’ll face challenges — some visible and some subtle — but you’ll also build strength, creativity, and confidence in ways most people can’t imagine. The path isn’t perfect, but with persistence, community, and a belief in your own worth, you can carve out your own space and thrive in it.
Finding Jobs for People With Cerebral Palsy
There are many paths to meaningful work, and support is available for people with cerebral palsy at every stage.
For example, state-run Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) programs offer free services like skills training, interview prep, and help finding jobs that match a person’s strengths.
To learn more, search for “[Your State] Vocational Rehabilitation” or visit rsa.ed.gov to find local services that support employment for people with cerebral palsy.
These programs can make a real difference in building confidence and creating opportunities.
If your child has been diagnosed with CP and you’re thinking about their future, call Cerebral Palsy Guide at (855) 220-1101 right now to see how our team may be able to offer support and guidance.
Written by:Amie KroessigAmie Kroessig is a Patient Advocate and Outreach Coordinator for Cerebral Palsy Guide. In her role, she provides resources and support to families and caregivers of children with cerebral palsy to help give them the quality of life they deserve.
