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Network. Asking around at your school, in your family, among your circle of friends and in your place of worship can all lead to a job offer. “It never hurts to ask,” Stooksbury said. “And seriously, by letting people know that you are actively seeking employment, as well as to what needs you have that must be accommodated along with your expectations of the workforce can help place you in a position that satisfies both you and your employer.” Employees with disabilities seeking work are also encouraged to work on their interviewing skills and techniques. “The interview is a key process for not just the potential employee – this is the chance the employer has to ask questions and help determine how to make his or her office as accessible as possible,” Shumpert said. “We must remember that in good economic times and bad, people with disabilities have fewer opportunities than those without disabilities – a reality that stands in stark contrast to America’s ideals,” states Kathleen Martinez, assistant secretary of ODEP. However, opportunities are growing. There are several resources available to people with disabilities seeking employment, with several provided by ODEP, including the Job Accommodation Network (JAN). JAN is a free consulting service which provides individualized workplace solutions for accomodations, as well as education on how and when self-employment can be a better option.
We must remember that in good economic times and bad, people with disabilities have fewer opportunities than those without disabilities – a reality that stands in stark contrast to America’s ideals. While several of ODEP’s programs address the needs of both employee and employer, EARN Works specifically assists employers in their recruitment efforts of workers with disabilities. The real challenges still must be faced, including how disability advocates must change the opinions of several employers. “We’re making
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Making a Difference • Fall 2009
Perla Rodriguez loves her job in the emergency room at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.
headway,” said Colleen Pirkle of Project Search. “As part of Project Search we set up potential employees with mentors who provide the proper training to transition into the workplace. There has definitely been a shift in the attitudes of several employers, especially when it comes to the thoughts of accommodations.” “It is no longer considered unusual that people with disabilities are in the workplace,” said Stooksbury. “I do think attitudes have changed over the years – now we’re placing more of an emphasis on accessibility issues as well as financial aid to both employers and employees. Making certain accommodations can be an expense.” Martinez agrees. “We need to move away from thinking that we’re accommodating ‘special needs,’ and begin to think that we’re accommodating people,” she began. “Inclusive work environments have been shown to lead to higher productivity and more satisifed workers. Once employers begin looking at these numbers and realizing that it is very cost-effective to bring in accommodations, I think that is when we will notice the unemployment numbers for people with disabilities dropping.” To that effect, employers have access to certain incentives when beginning the hiring process or a person (or persons) with a disability, including tax incentives such as the Small Business Tax Credit, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and the Architectural/