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Disabled Man With 22Q Syndrome Who Landed His First-Ever Job Goes Viral On Twitter

Nowadays finding a job can prove to be quite a difficult task, especially given the recent events of 2020. We believe it’s fair to say that most of us have found it a challenge to enter the job market, and that’s only the first step when it comes to searching for a job. One has to get through various assessments, several interviews, and most of the time, having some experience of at least several years in a similar position is required too.

But had any of us thought about how hard such a task might prove to be for someone with a disability? According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), fewer people with a disability were employed in 2020, with a total employment rate of 17.9%, down from 19.3% in 2019. Such data is not only saddening but also shows the harsh reality of the job market when it comes to employing disabled people.

However, instead of talking about the negative statistics, today we’d like to share with you a positive story instead. It’s about Justin, who has the rare 22Q syndrome (a disorder where part of a person’s 22nd chromosome is missing), and whose story went viral overnight after he made a tweet about landing his first-ever job.

More info: twitter.com

Justin, who has the rare 22Q syndrome, recently went viral overnight after he made a tweet about landing his first-ever job

* Major NEWS*
I got the Job i am Starting Early Next week i am in a loss of words and do not know what to say other then lets party this is my first ever job in my whole life i wont let my disability stop me i wonder how many people seeing this will congratulate me ! #22q pic.twitter.com/HMFitK3A8K
— Justin G (@syndrome22q1) August 3, 2021

Justin G, who did not wish to share his surname, landed a job at Charge Across America—a company that organizes electric car races

Image credits: syndrome22q1

Justin mentioned that his role will consist of helping the company manage their social media presence

Disabled Man With 22Q Syndrome Who Landed His First-Ever Job Goes Viral On Twitter

Image credits: syndrome22q1

His post was appreciated by more than 38k people on Twitter who found the said message to be extremely celebratory

Disabled Man With 22Q Syndrome Who Landed His First-Ever Job Goes Viral On Twitter

Image credits: syndrome22q1

Bored Panda reached out to Justin to find out a little bit more about his situation.

“I am a disabled activist. I try to raise awareness for the 22Q syndrome. This fact made me a well-known activist influencer. I happened to get my first-ever job offer through my cousin and I am so happy because I never thought I’d be able to work because of my disability.

However, I also wanted to show the world that people with special needs can work as well! 22Q is known as DiGeorge syndrome. It affects my heart and learning as I’m missing a piece of my 22nd chromosome.”

“I am a disabled activist, but I also wanted to show the world that people with special needs can work as well!” Justin told Bored Panda

Disabled Man With 22Q Syndrome Who Landed His First-Ever Job Goes Viral On Twitter

Image credits: syndrome22q1

Here’s what people had to say

18Kviews

Fascinated by music, movies and sitcoms, I'm passionate about social media and can't live without the internet, especially for all the cute dog and cat pictures out there. I wish the day had about 40 hours to be able to do everything I want.

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Hey there, Pandas! My name is Diana (though some prefer to refer to me as Diane, Deanna, and even Liana sometimes), and I am a Community Post Moderator Lead for Bored Panda. As my position title states, I am one of the people (employed Pandas for bamboo) over here who work with the community side of things on this website to ensure all is well, and while at that, I also help various creators and artists get recognition for the incredible work they do by connecting them to a large worldwide audience. Other than that, outside of work, you can find me brewing a nice cup of coffee, making a pizza from scratch, or baking brownies. I also love traveling, concerts, and cats (heavy on that, because I am a cat mom).

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What do you think ?

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RoseTheMad 3 years ago

For anyone Curious: 22Q/Digeorge Syndrome is a disorder caused when a small part of chromosome 22 is missing, this results in slower development of the body, though symptoms can vary, a person with 22Q may suffer learning difficulties, behavioural problems, may develop speech/movement at a slower rate, may have a cleft palate and have problems eating as such, may have heart defects and hormone/thyroid problems, as well as a lower immune system, mental health problems, arthritis and other joint/bone problems. Sounds like a lot for a person to possibly have to deal with, and whilst I'm unsure what symptoms this man displays, either way none of those sound fun, and for him to land a job he is happy with is wonderful, not to mention inspirational! :)

33points

Terilee Bruyere 3 years ago

My son was tested for this disorder when he was an infant (a very high number of seizures in his first week of life and extremely low levels of calcium and magnesium in his blood). I had not heard of it until then. It's refreshing and inspiring to see people overcoming their disabilities and living their best life!

8points

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Vicky Z 3 years ago

Having a disability and being able to be independent is so so important for psychological reasons!!! It can actually change the progress of the disease and I'm so happy when i hear these success stories! Congratulations and I'm wishing him all the best!!

8points

Dorothy Parker 3 years ago

He is more than his genetics, more than a diagnosis. He is everything that he has been exposed to, all the love and care and education. All the humor and beauty. He is ready to show who he truly is. Like all the rest of us. Sublimely unique.

2points

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