Press Release November 3, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

eSight Members Show People Skills
in Blog About "Easy Mark" Solutions

(New York City, NY - November 3, 2005) "If I had an employee who was taking advantage of another employee, I would like to see them work it out like adults (if it is a relatively minor infraction)," writes Melissa, a member of eSight Careers Network

"If the person did not change his behavior or was not willing to listen, then I would want to take formal disciplinary action against that employee," she adds on eSight's "Swimming in the Mainstream" (SiM) blog. "His behavior is not only unacceptable and inappropriate; it is also likely to lead to bigger problems."

That kind of insight, observes Jim Hasse, senior content develop for eSight, is valuable as an employee "because you can save your supervisor time, money and effort."

Hasse explains, "He or she won't have to handle issues that you, an employee with a disability, can personally resolve. And that expertise comes in handy in resolving issues which have nothing to do with disability as well."

Hasse has summarized the SiM discussion from an employer standpoint in a new eSight article, "Hire People Who Resolve 'Easy Mark' Situations for Themselves,"

It's featured this week in eSight's Employer Resources section as part of an initiative made possible by a grant from the American Express Foundation.

Specifically, the SiM participants discussed this question:

What's the best way to handle a work situation in which a person is taking advantage of you due to your apparent vulnerability?

Nan, another eSight member, points out:

"In general, the best strategy you can take is to tap into your own self-esteem and assertiveness. If you are clear about your own role and rights in a situation, you will be far more likely to understand where the conflict is coming from -- and what is (and is not) your responsibility.

"You are only responsible for your own behavior. You are not there to 'fix' difficult co-workers. Part of your behavior must display respect and courtesy. This can be difficult, but it is the one area you control absolutely in interpersonal situations..."

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: (+1) 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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