
DATE: Monday, July 7, 1997                  TAG: 9707070065

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B7   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY DIANE WASHINGTON 

        STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   79 lines

PROGRAM TURNS DISABILITY TO EMPLOYABILITY

Edward Walker loves to read to his nieces and nephews. He loves to make written words dance off the pages. In short, he loves books and libraries.

``All I've ever wanted to do was work in a library,'' said Walker, 23.

But Walker has spina bifida, a condition that leaves part of the spinal column exposed and causes paralysis. Walker thought his disability would negate his dream.

Then he enrolled in the Technical Occupational Preparation Programs, or TOPPS, at Old Dominion University. The program offers post-secondary certificate courses that include training in word processing, data entry and other office work, according to Joan Fishman Hecht, program coordinator. Five students will graduate from the program on Tuesday.

The $300-per-course program is unique because students can start at the beginning of any college semester and progress at their own pace. Participants must complete eight courses and on-the-job training before receiving their certificates.

The on-the-job training is what led Walker to the Major Hilliard branch of the Chesapeake Public Library. There he alphabetized books and taught patrons how to use the Internet. He also earned college credit.

TOPPS officials said many employers who give students the opportunity to work are excited about their performance.

``In most cases they are thought of as being more reliable than those without disabilities,'' said Joann Ervin, an instructor with TOPPS. ``The difference is, most of them want to work and it shows.''

Walker's co-workers say he's irreplaceable.

``He's great, '' Librarian Lorraine Whitehurst said. ``He's so patient with patrons.''

Finding volunteer opportunities for TOPPS participants is difficult, but finding job placement is close to a miracle, program organizers said.

``People often see their disabilities instead of their abilities,'' Ervin said. ``It becomes very, very difficult when you're dealing with stereotypes of potential co-workers and employers. We have to find workplaces that are willing to accommodate for their disabilities. Some need higher desks or special keyboards.''

Geronimo Austin needed a head pointer. Austin, 44, is a quadriplegic with cerebral palsy. He recently completed a data entry internship at the Public Works Department, typing in information with the head pointer. Austin said his employers at the Norfolk Naval Base didn't believe he could do the job.

``My first day they thought if I could finish four cards that would be good,'' he said to his classmates in their final meeting on June 24. ``But I knew I could do more than that, and I finished 456 in two days.''

Austin smiled and asked the class, ``Do you think I'll get the job?''

Program participants said employers who aren't willing to hire them are losing out.

``It's their loss, and hopefully someone else's gain,'' said participant Donald Richards.

Richards, 43, worked in the hotel business for 14 years until a car accident left him with a brain injury. Richards is now partially paralyzed, has a speech impairment, and must use a wheelchair. He will complete his six-week data entry internship at the American Red Cross in Norfolk in this month, but he hopes to get a job in a local hotel.

Hecht, the program coordinator, said the participants have overcome many challenges. She is optimistic their individual success will continue.

``This program is focused on successes rather than built-in failure,'' she said to the five students who will graduate Tuesday.

``The next step is the biggest challenge. You have the training now you need a job.'' ILLUSTRATION: IAN MARTIN photos/The Virginian-Pilot

Geronimo Austin, a quadriplegic with cerebral palsy, said his

employers didn't believe he could do a data-entry job. ``My first

day they thought if I could finish four cards that would be good,''

he said. ``But I knew I could do more than that, and I finished 456

in two days.''

Joan Fishman Hecht, the program coordinator for ODU's Technical

Occupational Preparation Programs, said the participants have

overcome many challenges. Tuesday, five will graduate from the

program. KEYWORDS: DISABLED