A few months ago, we made a blog post about National Disability Employment Awareness Month. In the post, we discussed the topic of hiring people with disabilities. Many people have misconceptions when it comes to hiring someone with a
disability. There is a myth that "Persons with disabilities can’t keep up with
other workers." The reality is that it has been conclusively shown that, on
average, people with a disability are more loyal, dependable, and productive
than their non-disabled colleagues - and that they work more safely. 98% of
people with a disability rate average or better in work safety. Employers also
often cite "the cost of accommodations as a barrier to hiring persons with
disabilities." This has been established as a myth because the vast majority of
persons with disabilities, who are currently employed, require no special
workplace accommodations whatsoever.
In fact, a recent article by the Chicago Tribune discussed how many companies such as AMC and the investment firm, TIAA-CREF, are agressively hiring people with disabilities. Walgreens is another example of a company that is adament about hiring workers with disabilities. Walgreens opened a distribution center in Anderson, South Carolina, and currently more than 40% of its employees there are people with disabilities who are paid and treated the same as their non-disabled coworkers. More than 100 Fortune 500 companies have toured the distribution center to learn more about the program. It is refreshing to see so many companies including people with disabilities into their workforce.
For the full articles used, please visit:
www.ftmeade.army.mil/pages/eeo/dis_myths.pdf
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-12-10/business/ct-biz-1210-work-advice-huppke-20121210_1_disabilities-walgreen-distribution-centers
Visit our website to find more information on our T.R.A.D.E. program which
helps students increase their
employability:
http://empowertech.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=101&Itemid=105
Showing posts with label disabled. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disabled. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Volunteer Opportunities at EmpowerTech!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Are YOU Interested in Making a Difference in the Life of Someone with Disabilities?
EMPOWERTECH is Los Angeles County's only non-profit organization devoted to bringing the latest in assistive technology to children and adults living with disabilities.
We are looking for people of all ages with:
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Applications
• A teaching background or experience helping people with disabilities (not required but always a plus!)
• A great attitude!
If you can help, please visit us at: http://empowertech.org
Or give us a call at: (310) 338-1597
EmpowerTech
9100 S. Sepulveda Suite 204
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Inspirational People that have Disabilities
As part of our continuation to help inspire equality, we continue to have posts about people with disabilities that have surpassed the expectations set upon them by others. Today’s post addresses the creator of Pokémon, Satoshi Tajiri. Mr. Tajiri is an example of someone who is on the high functioning end of the autism spectrum. One of the main influences for the video game, Pokémon, was Tajiri’s autistic fixation with bugs. Here is part of an article by Susan Moffitt of the website Autism Key about the man who created one of the most popular video game franchises in the world:
“Whenever I feel nostalgic about my sons’ early years, Pokémon is always a large part of those memories. I can still see my one son, a vision of yellow, dressed as Pikachu for Halloween, or the excitement in his and his brother’s eyes when they each dug a pack of Pokémon cards from the toe of their Christmas stockings. The cards provided some of their few happy playground experiences interacting with their neurotypical peers due to the fact that all children shared the universal language of Pokémon.
I recently discovered that like my sons, the creator of Pokémon is on the high functioning end of the autism spectrum. Long thought to have Asperger’s Syndrome, Mr. Satoshi Tajiri has confirmed this information, yet does not speak of his condition in public. This reclusive and eccentric man, who is known to work twenty-four hours at a time, spawned the gaming phenomenon that took the world by storm through his special interest in insects…
Once again, we discover that the world is a richer place because of the fascinating contributions made by individuals on the autism spectrum. The fact that Satoshi Tajiri, who was both socially and emotionally challenged by his disorder, could bring such joy to so many children is both heartwarming and inspiring.”
http://www.autismkey.com/pokeman-creator-draws-creativity-from-autism/
“Whenever I feel nostalgic about my sons’ early years, Pokémon is always a large part of those memories. I can still see my one son, a vision of yellow, dressed as Pikachu for Halloween, or the excitement in his and his brother’s eyes when they each dug a pack of Pokémon cards from the toe of their Christmas stockings. The cards provided some of their few happy playground experiences interacting with their neurotypical peers due to the fact that all children shared the universal language of Pokémon.
I recently discovered that like my sons, the creator of Pokémon is on the high functioning end of the autism spectrum. Long thought to have Asperger’s Syndrome, Mr. Satoshi Tajiri has confirmed this information, yet does not speak of his condition in public. This reclusive and eccentric man, who is known to work twenty-four hours at a time, spawned the gaming phenomenon that took the world by storm through his special interest in insects…
Once again, we discover that the world is a richer place because of the fascinating contributions made by individuals on the autism spectrum. The fact that Satoshi Tajiri, who was both socially and emotionally challenged by his disorder, could bring such joy to so many children is both heartwarming and inspiring.”
http://www.autismkey.com/pokeman-creator-draws-creativity-from-autism/
Thursday, October 25, 2012
"Disability Employment Effort Gets Boost"
An article by the website disabilityscoop.com was posted last month titled "Disability Employment Effort Gets Boost." This article outlines the new funding program by the U.S. Department of Labor that gives $20 million to states that implement a program to help people with disabilities find employment. People with disabilities have been found to be more loyal, dependable, and productive than their non-disabled colleagues.
Here is the article from DisabilityScoop.com:
"More than $20 million is headed to states to expand a program designed to help people with disabilities gain a foothold in the workplace.
Officials at the U.S. Department of Labor said the new funding announced this week will establish the so-called “Disability Employment Initiative” in seven new states — Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota and Rhode Island.
The federal program — which is already in place in 16 states — offers grants to enhance training and educational opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities who are unemployed, underemployed or receiving Social Security benefits.
With the funding, states are encouraged to increase collaboration among multiple programs including vocational rehabilitation, developmental disability agencies and independent living centers in order to help ensure the best outcomes for those with disabilities seeking employment.
“Everyone should have the opportunity to contribute to today’s workforce,” said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. “Enhancing the workforce system’s ability to provide effective coordinated and collaborative service delivery will help to ensure that people with disabilities have access to the employment training and supports they need to achieve self-sufficiency.”
Each of the seven states added to the program will receive between $1.8 million and $4.8 million."
For more information on our T.R.A.D.E. Program which helps increase the chances of employability, visit our website at:
http://empowertech.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=101&Itemid=105
Here is the article from DisabilityScoop.com:
"More than $20 million is headed to states to expand a program designed to help people with disabilities gain a foothold in the workplace.
Officials at the U.S. Department of Labor said the new funding announced this week will establish the so-called “Disability Employment Initiative” in seven new states — Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota and Rhode Island.
The federal program — which is already in place in 16 states — offers grants to enhance training and educational opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities who are unemployed, underemployed or receiving Social Security benefits.
With the funding, states are encouraged to increase collaboration among multiple programs including vocational rehabilitation, developmental disability agencies and independent living centers in order to help ensure the best outcomes for those with disabilities seeking employment.
“Everyone should have the opportunity to contribute to today’s workforce,” said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. “Enhancing the workforce system’s ability to provide effective coordinated and collaborative service delivery will help to ensure that people with disabilities have access to the employment training and supports they need to achieve self-sufficiency.”
Each of the seven states added to the program will receive between $1.8 million and $4.8 million."
For more information on our T.R.A.D.E. Program which helps increase the chances of employability, visit our website at:
http://empowertech.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=101&Itemid=105
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
On October 1st, 2012, President Barack Obama proclaimed October 2012 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. (For more information on this proclamation, visit our blog post on it: http://empower-tech.blogspot.com/2012/10/presidential-proclamation-national.html)
The day after, we put a poll on our Facebook page asking our Facebook Friends if they would hire a person with disabilities. Many people have misconceptions when it comes to hiring someone with a disability. There is a myth that "Persons with disabilities can’t keep up with other workers." The reality is that it has been conclusively shown that, on average, people with a disability are more loyal, dependable, and productive than their non-disabled colleagues - and that they work more safely. 98% of people with a disability rate average or better in work safety. Employers also often cite "the cost of accommodations as a barrier to hiring persons with disabilities." This has been established as a myth because the vast majority of persons with disabilities, who are currently employed, require no special workplace accommodations whatsoever. There are many advantages to hiring persons with disabilities, for more information please visit:
www.ftmeade.army.mil/pages/eeo/dis_myths.pdf
http://community.gettinghired.com/blogs/articles/archive/2010/06/23/benefits-of-hiring-people-with-disabilities.aspx
Visit our website to find more information on our T.R.A.D.E. program which helps students increase their employability:
http://empowertech.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=101&Itemid=105
The day after, we put a poll on our Facebook page asking our Facebook Friends if they would hire a person with disabilities. Many people have misconceptions when it comes to hiring someone with a disability. There is a myth that "Persons with disabilities can’t keep up with other workers." The reality is that it has been conclusively shown that, on average, people with a disability are more loyal, dependable, and productive than their non-disabled colleagues - and that they work more safely. 98% of people with a disability rate average or better in work safety. Employers also often cite "the cost of accommodations as a barrier to hiring persons with disabilities." This has been established as a myth because the vast majority of persons with disabilities, who are currently employed, require no special workplace accommodations whatsoever. There are many advantages to hiring persons with disabilities, for more information please visit:
www.ftmeade.army.mil/pages/eeo/dis_myths.pdf
http://community.gettinghired.com/blogs/articles/archive/2010/06/23/benefits-of-hiring-people-with-disabilities.aspx
Visit our website to find more information on our T.R.A.D.E. program which helps students increase their employability:
http://empowertech.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=101&Itemid=105
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