Disability is no barrier to ambition, so Ingrid was not about to let osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia keep her from pursuing a satisfying career. A talented hygienist and children’s dental therapist, Ingrid’s painful condition developed slowly. It became increasingly difficult to sit for a long time – as is required for most dental careers – but she continued to work because she thought it would get better.

“I worked for several years in excruciating pain because I had no disability coverage and my employer was reluctant to add any modifications to my workspace,” says Ingrid. “Eventually, I had to leave my job because my condition made even simple tasks painful. I couldn’t even wash the dishes without taking a break.”

Unable to work for about eight years, Ingrid knew she had too much to give to stay on the workforce sidelines. She decided to look for a career that would allow her to train and work on her own schedule.

“I couldn’t sit long enough to drive into Winnipeg to go back to school, so I decided to study at home for my realtor’s licence,” she says. “My previous work showed me I had a way of making others relax and although home buying should be exciting, it is often nerve-wracking for people, especially first-time buyers.”

A realtor with Interlake Real Estate, the province’s largest independent real estate company, Ingrid has proven herself in her five years of service to date.

“It’s always great to be a part of the joy of someone else finding their perfect house,” says Ingrid. “I know persons with disabilities can be extremely hard-working people who can take on a job and do it well.”