"Swimming in the Mainstream" Insight: Breaking Accessibility Barriers

Summary:
Check these comments from five January 2005 participants in eSight's "Swimming in the Mainstream" (SiM) blog. They represent the motivated individuals -- potential employees -- who are available within the disability community.

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During January 2005, five participants on eSight's SiM blog discussed the major accessibility barriers (particularly available transportation and accessible technology) they face in gaining employment that is meaningful and rewarding.

You can review their complete discussion on the SiM blog, but I've selected some snippets from their conversation to highlight in this article because I believe they show this group:

• Takes personal responsibility for resolving their own transportation issues.
  
  
• Prefers to be as independent as possible in gaining workable accommodation.
  
  
• Realizes it's up to each individual to become technologically savvy.
  
  
• Knows how to solve problems in a variety of settings - at work and at home.
  
  
• Is willing to set priorities and work toward long-term goals.
  
  

You can learn more about each of these participants by clicking on these links:

Darrell, Nan, Kathleen, Jake, Jim.

View their "offering statements."

Read Darrell's resume.

And now let's eavesdrop on some of their conversation.

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Darrell:

"People are hired so that they can get the job done. If we can't do that, for any reason, then we can't be hired and retained as valuable business assets...

"...With my employer, I am simply moved to a project that features accessible technologies that work with JAWS...

"I am considering myself very lucky that I have an employer who sees the value I add to the company and does not simply throw me away because of my technology inaccessibility problems...

"...I am very rarely late to work and, on the few occasions when it has happened, it hasn't been repeated in a very long time. I believe the reasons for the good service I receive on paratransit have a lot to do with my proactive advocacy efforts. I simply refuse to accept rudeness and unprofessionalism and I always insist on prompt resolution of all issues, escalating through the chain of command until proper action is ultimately taken.

"...When you take the initiative and act for yourself, you show the world that you have what it takes to effectively perform the duties of that job you seek!"

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Nan:

"...I have had several jobs and have done well in most. In some cases, I got along with minimal accommodation, but more recently I did receive the basic tools I needed. Still I have preferred what I was able to choose for myself... The impact on my family's credit cards notwithstanding, I feel the independence has been well worth it..."

"What I have done about needing transportation for my business is simply gone entirely online. I train via the phone. All meetings are via chat or messenger. I have a knack for making this not look like a disadvantage but rather a distinction..."

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Kathleen:

"...We all know that we have to use whatever is at our disposal to be viable in today's job market. Knowing as much technology as you can is a real plus."

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Jake:

"...I am still not working, but I did experience a rather major life change. In August of 2004, I moved out of my parents' house. I am living in an apartment with a former neighbor who is also visually challenged. This is part of an agency which works with people who have disabilities so that they can live independently. For me and for my family this was a very positive accomplishment..."

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Jim:

"...I'm always amused when I look back at the situations I resolved at work -- issues my co-workers without disabilities didn't have to think about...

"I do know that getting a job and developing my career was the key to everything else I wanted to accomplish..."

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Some adjectives come to mind as I review these snippets: realistic, savvy, grateful, proactive, assertive, creative, independent, accomplished. Aren't those some of the qualities you seek in a potential employee?


Made possible by a grant from the American Express Foundation.


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Do you have a topic or question to suggest for a future discussion on eSight's SiM blog? If so, submit it by using the eSight idea-sharing tool.

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