by: Kellye Whitney, 11-16-2009 (used with permission)
A new survey released by National Industries for the Blind (NIB) reports that more than 9 out of every 10 Americans believe the government should support programs creating employment opportunities for people who are blind or have other significant disabilities.
Yet figures also show that more than 60 percent of people who are blind or have other significant disabilities are not employed.
Kevin Lynch, president and CEO of National Industries for the Blind, said he isn’t surprised there is an open attitude regarding people with disabilities or people who are blind. But he said diversity executives and other leaders with the power to influence hiring decisions must be willing to make the initial, relatively minimal, investment necessary to accommodate those who are blind or have visual impairments or other disabilities.
“This is an investment that has a great return,” he explained. “[NIB has] a dedicated workforce of individuals that on a daily basis are out to prove that they are capable and able to do what anyone can do. Certainly technology these days has leveled the playing field particularly for individuals who are blind, and they don’t want anyone to be able to utilize the fact that they may have a visual impairment or be blind as an excuse for their not being able to perform.”
Read the entire story in Diversity Executive Magazine online at http://www.diversity-executive.com/article.php?article=776
Find out about NIB's "Business Leaders Program" at offers business training at four levels for people who are blind at www.nib.org.
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