Web offers resources on workers with disabilities

The Springfield-Greene County Library has always been the logical place to research the job market. From our Web page on employment resources

http://thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org/referenc/employ.htm

to books and magazine articles on the subject, we have the information you need.

Now, thanks to a $19,765 Library Services and Technology grant from the Missouri State Library, the library is now better equipped to help disabled patrons make use of the library, including vocational reference services. The grant enables the system to purchase adaptive equipment for persons with low vision, hearing impairment or reduced mobility.

The following equipment, purchased with the grant funds, will help persons with disabilities make full use of the library collection: screen magnification hardware and software, "big keys" keyboard, computer workstation with a 21-inch monitor and a closed-circuit television, a specialized mouse for persons with dexterity problems, foot switch (keyboard control pedal), one-hand keyboard and a computer table adjustable to wheelchair height and a hand-held amplification unit.

For further information on the disabled and the workplace, check out these recommended Web sites. A Web page located at

thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org/about/09-20-99.htm

provides links to all these sites.

Myths and Facts About People With Disabilities

www.doleta.gov/access/dimyths.htm

The U.S. Department of Labor's Disability Initiative dispels a number of myths concerning employment of persons with disabilities. For instance, employees with disabilities are no more likely to have on-the-job accidents or a higher rate of absenteeism than do employees without disabilities.

Employment of Disabled People

www.employmentstudies.co.uk/summary/partsum.html

This British study, based on a survey of 2,000 disabled people of working age who have long-term disabilities or health problems, deals with participation in the work force. Only 11 percent of disabled people in this study (including those not currently employed) require some sort of special equipment, aids or adaptations in order to work.

Despite this, survey participants report that it is a common job-interview assumption that a disabled applicant would not be able to do the job as well as a nondisabled person.

Disability Awareness Participants

www.csun.edu/~sp20558/dis/modII.html

This Web page consists of links to six handouts from a Cal State-Northridge workshop module on disability awareness. You'll find tips for effective supervision, ways to interact comfortably with persons with specific disabilities and more.

Use the "Contents" hypertext link at the bottom of the page to see other modules such as "Interviewing Individuals with Disabilities" and "Reasonable Accommodations."

Since the handout materials, overheads, etc., are very detailed, you can "attend" a reasonable facsimile of this workshop, titled "Succeeding Together: People with Disabilities in the Workplace," at a time and pace convenient to you at no cost.

Missouri Assistive Technology Project

www.dolir.state.mo.us/matp/

The Missouri Assistive Technology Project seeks to improve access for all Missourians to devices and services that increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities.

An annual conference, Power Up, is held in April. The project also develops and distributes a wide variety of publications. Regional outreach centers in several cities provide access to assistive technology and related information