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Gary, an FAA employee who is deaf: After graduating from college
with a degree in engineering technology, I was eager to get out in the work
world. One of my first interviews at a government agency was conducted by note
taking and lip reading. One manufacturing company told me they could not hire
me because they considered me a safety threat, being deaf and working with
heavy machinery. I finally got a job in the laundry department of a hotel.
Meanwhile, I kept looking for jobs in my chosen field. I completed an
application for a draftsman position at the FAA. They offered me a temporary
position, which I accepted!
A few days before my contract was up, a co-worker assisted me in
contacting companies needing engineering expertise. I landed another job, this
time as an engineering technician for a company under government contract. The
company did not make many accommodations. It was difficult to understand what
was happening at staff meetings. Hands over faces, video screenings without
closed-captioning, cassette tapes, and conference calls contributed to my
frustration and lack of communication! The company didn't provide an
interpreter, so I missed out on a lot of information. Then, I learned the FAA
had a full-time position open for an "Engineering Technician." I submitted my
application.
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Gary: I've enjoyed my job at the FAA. Sure, I've
experienced my share of barriers, but this environment provides open
communications to my concerns. Changes can't happen overnight. There have been
constant improvements, but there is still a lot of work to be done. We're all
learning from one another. |
Richard, FAA Manager: I was ready to fill the position. As I had
always done, I was prepared to look through lists of applications before hiring
anyone. I remembered my past contacts with Gary and wished I could hire him.
His abilities, strong work ethic, and positive attitude would be an asset to
any organization. I visited with him and advised him of the position.
As I began to process paperwork through our Human Resource Office,
I was surprised to learn that hiring a person with a disability is simple! No
advertisement is needed, no list of applications is required, and the actual
hiring method took two weeks!
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Richard: Hiring Gary has heightened my awareness and
sensitivity toward all people with disabilities. It has become foremost in my
mind when making hiring decisions. It's been for me one of the most rewarding
experiences of my career. |
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