Press Release August 5, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

eSight Members Debunk 20 Myths
About Disability Employment

(New York City, NY - August 5, 2005) eSight members are giving employers their thoughts about which myths job seekers with disabilities call the biggest roadblocks to gaining meaningful employment.

During July 2005 (the ADA's 15th anniversary), nearly two dozen participants on eSight's "Swimming in the Mainstream" (SiM) blog examined their own misconceptions and used that insight to understand and address the false assumptions an employer may have about their ability to thrive in a mainstream job.

The myths about employing people with disabilities eSight members wish to dispel are summarized in a new article currently featured on the Employer Resources section of eSight Careers Network.

The article, "20 False Assumptions to Tackle as an Equal Opportunity Employer," is now available on eSight

In summarizing the group's comments for the Employer Resources article, Jim Hasse, eSight's senior content developer, observed, "In 2005, perception, fear, myth, and prejudice continue to artificially limit understanding and acceptance of disability as a form of human diversity, especially in workplaces, around the globe."

SiM blogger Brenda perhaps best captured the discussion group's perspective about a common myth when she wrote:

"When I see 'EOE' (Equal Opportunity Employer) in ads or on web sites of prospective employers, I can't help but feel (that) this has not been true for me. Employers really need to realize they are committed to what ... 'EOE' means (when they use that designation)..."

Connie, another SiM participant, identified a lack of disability awareness among employers:

"My main wish is that employers realize that, (as) visually impaired employees, (we) do not require a babysitter. Our capability, capacity and autonomy are questioned and invalidated by people who want to care but are under-educated about how to care."

Blogger Mary Ellen wrote about fear:

"Often employers are (afraid) to hire people with visual impairments because they (believe) they can't fire them if things don't work out. People who are blind are just like anyone else. They (just) can't see. They should be treated like adults and thus like any other employee."

Anet cited the prejudice she's personally experienced:

"While working, everything is fine -- until someone finds out I am visually impaired. Then they seem to change how they treat me -- as though I am no longer capable to do the job I was doing."

The Employer Resource article includes quotes from SiM bloggers to illustrate each of the 20 false assumptions the discussion generated.

eSight's SiM blog is designed to help:

1. eSight members share their personal experiences as individuals with a disability in the workplace.
2. Job seekers showcase their accomplishments to prospective employers.
3. Employers expand their awareness of disability employment issues.

The blog is made possible by a grant the American Express Foundation has awarded to The Associated Blind, Inc.

The Associated Blind, Inc., a 66-year-old non-profit organization, has been providing members of eSight Careers Network opportunities to collaborate on disability employment issues through accessible online discussions and resource building since October 2000.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Source: The Associated Blind, Inc.
Contact: Nancy O'Connell
Tel: (212) 683-4950
E-mail: MemberServices@eSightCareers.net

Online community:
www.eSight.org

Blogs:
Job Seekers Network
Swimming in the Mainstream
Community News


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