THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, July 14, 1995 TAG: 9507130138
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 57 lines
My compliments to The Beacon and staff writer Pam Starr for the visibility afforded to the Mayor's Committee for the Disabled in ``Breaking down the barriers'' to make the city accessible (Beacon, June 30).
From my limited view, individuals with disabilities do have abilities that employers need to be made aware of. Sure, appealing to the employers' social consciousness works in some cases. However, individuals with disAbilities have the potential to make a significant contribution to the bottom line of businesses.
How often does an employer hire an individual only to have that person work a few days and not show up? How often is the employee tardy? How often do employees lack a sense of commitment to do a good job? How often after payday does the individual not show up for work?
The above questions, by no means, are to discredit most workers, who do possess a sense of loyalty, dedication, fulfillment, self-worth, confidence and productivity. What it does state is that persons with disabilities also possess these characteristics so necessary in the workplace.
To have able-bodied individuals as co-workers who view a person with a disability as a productive, contributing member of the work team provides incentives to disabled and non-disabled peers that can transcend the workplace. The feeling of belonging and contributing to the mission of the employer elevates personal self-esteem and productivity of all employees.
``Breaking down the barriers'' has contributed to educating the general public about the capabilities of individuals with disabilities and the qualities they bring to the workplace. Yet there is much more to be accomplished.
This fall, The Greater Hampton Roads Regional Symposium for Persons with Disabilities is hosting its 4th annual symposium with the theme of ``Forging New Freedoms.'' The entire day's events - speakers, exhibitors, panel discussions and job fair - focus on employment for individuals with DisAbilities. Since October is Disabilities Awareness Month, the date of this year's symposium is Oct. 12, beginning at 8 a.m.; the site is the Holiday Inn Greenbrier. It is being hosted by the Chesapeake Mayor's Committee for Persons With Disabilities. Participating in the planning are the cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth and Suffolk.
Consider this letter an ``Open Letter to Employers Who Are Looking for a Few Good Workers.''
Ted Clarkson
Virginia Beach Mayor's Committee for the Disabled
Member, Regional Symposium Planning Group
The Virginia Beach Foundation
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