“I often attend weekly and monthly staff meetings, where among other discussions, I convey the messages on importance of equal job opportunities in public institutions, and in the labour market overall,” he says. “Stepping into somebody else’s shoes doesn’t always work - but walking together means a lot.” 

Elmi says that it only takes a bit of courage to become part of a decision-making process. “I feel responsible to act upon the issues that persons with disabilities deal with regarding employment. Now that I am given this chance, I see room for improvement, which I am committed to work for,” he confesses. “I bring suggestions on how this institution can progress in sharing opportunities evenly in the labour market, and design action plans that can be implementable in the current working environment. On the last meeting we had, I advised on more inclusive parking spaces which guarantee accessible infrastructure for all.”

Finding strength and motivation requires a lot of patience and self-awareness. 

“Untransparent and unfair recruitment processes affected me and my professional growth for years. Amidst tens of applications submitted, while fulfilling qualifications and criteria, I was not invited for any job interviews. I hope that the wheelchair would not have been an obstacle,” he emphasizes. “I was obviously very disappointed!”  

Elmi says that he even initiated preparations to migrate, but at the same time he applied for the Internship Scheme. “When I received a congratulation email, I was moved. I am grateful for the opportunity I was given.”

Apart from the internship, Elmi is happy to share that he is the founder of “The Bule Wheelchairs”, a basketball club for people in wheelchairs. “I was a dedicated athlete before the accident, and as I couldn’t detach from it, I decided to establish the basketball club.” This way, he is able to cherish life undistracted from any physical limitation.