Interviewing

Typically an applicant with a disability should be treated the same way as any other applicant; that includes medical testing. Questions may be asked about transportation and if they directly relate to the job. If the person chooses to share information on the disability it may be worthwhile because if obvious, it is often going to be on the person's mind. If hidden the applicant should decide the consequences of not revealing. In the case of epilepsy, the employer who does not know this, will not be prepared and seizures can happen without much warning. If an interpreter is needed the applicant must request one. Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions. Other more complex mandates include: 1) If a person can perform most of the duties but one the task may be swapped with another employee. 2) If the person takes medications, (s)he should be allowed to alter the break/lunch schedule to match. 3) If a person needs to work at home arrangements can be made. If a person has autism or attention deficit disorder but can prove successful performance, the interview may be greatly altered.

Employment Myths

This topic is the first part of the booklet on Welcoming Disabled Employees. First Return on Investment- There are programs that defray the costs of accommodations in the workplace. Each dollar spent $20 - 35 is earned by the employee with a disability. These points are important in dispelling the myth "Employees with disabilities will not be able to perform and will slow down the production rate." Second Safety Employees with disabilities are more cautious than their co-workers so safety is a major issue. Insurance rates are based on the task not the person performing it. These points are important when dispelling the myth "Employees will be careless and have accidents, causing insurance premiums to rise." Third Performance Employees with disabilities show an equal or above average rate of productivity as compared with their co-workers. They may often be the source of motivation. Furthermore Customers are more likely to patronize companies who hire people with disabilities. These points are important when dispelling the myth "Employees with disabilities will not be able to perform and will slow down the production rate."

Vocationally Speaking

Epowerment is a positive consequence of holding a job so it makes that this is our focus. I just completed designing a booklet "Welcoming Employers with Disabilities into the Workplace" and it is ready to be distributed. The next step is to offer simple meetings and/or a formal power point at staff trainings. The issues covered are: employment myths, strategies for hiring, interviewing, accommodating, financial incentives, and improving job skills for veterans. This is the way we can establish employer relationships then discuss job development for veterans. We can also offer employers the opportunity to work with individuals through the "Veterans Serving the Community Program" which is TRR approved. If employers are already involved with veterans, they will be read to contact us once job openings arise at their company. This would be a good precursor to permanent employment. I would really like feedback from YOU since it's the only way this will work.

A Support Group

Lancaster Rehabilitation is willing to accept a support group for free as long as it is not accepting funding. Therefore, Team River Runner will have a bi-monthly presence the topic will be "strategies for coping with one's new challenges." This is very broad and appropriate because most of the people there are getting medical help for sudden situations but non-medical situations have been addressed only minimally. I will supplement their care with non-medical assistance because that's what I know best. The booklet I wrote "Do it yourself Disability" is aimed at those who fall into the gap- medically stable but not yet re-integrated in the community. Areas explored will include social, psychological, physical, social, vocational, and community. The last area can include Team River Runner and other recreational outlets. everyone will receive a follow-up call if desired. This will generate interest in kayaking and finally provide me with an opportunity to empower others.

PA CARES

This is a monthly gathering of people who work for veterans in Harrisburg. The last program was Thursday and had a lively discussion. Many people shared what they do and how they help veterans. Representatives were from Red Cross, New Vitae (a drug and alcohol program), PA Food Bank, P Cares, Developmental Disability Council, The Disability Rights Program, Team River Runner and more. Concerned Veterans for America was impressive. They are in 36 states and they do advocacy and have 8 projects as of now. They have a number of legislators on board and seem to be successful in their missions to help people and families. "The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the VA MISSION Act. This is important legislation that will overhaul and expand programs that allow veterans to seek health care outside the Department of Veterans Affairs." This law approves veterans to receive care in community medical facilities rather than going to the closest veterans hospital. This cuts down on transportation and times issue among other benefits.

Combat Stress

Key symptoms include: Irritability and anger outbursts; Excessive fear and worry; Headaches and fatigue; Depression and apathy; Loss of appetite; Problems sleeping; Changes in behavior or personality. Don't blame yourself or a family member. Like an overused muscle, the brain must heal from excessive trauma. Consider if your body’s getting enough nutrients, exercise, and rest (7-9 hours sleep), your body and can protect you from too much stress. Practice relaxation techniques this includes doing things you enjoy, using humor, deep breathing (it relaxes the nervous system). Combat stress differs from PTSD because the disorder is brief and symptoms often disappear after being home for a few months, or even weeks. Post-traumatic stress disorder can often interfere with a person’s daily responsibilities and requires sessions with a mental health professional and methods to process difficult emotions. Symptoms are more specific – such as recurrent dreams or flashbacks – following a traumatic event as part of the combat experience. Call the Military Crisis Line at 800-273-8255, and press 1.

World War 2 Weekend

There are only 7% of the population left who experienced the second world war. In order to preserve this time period we must find ways to expose future generations and one successful way is to hold the program in Reading Pennsylvania. Just some of the activities include a parade of military vehicles; reenactments of battles and skirmishes between the French Resistance, Allied and German troops around the battle-scarred French Village; over 1,700 WWII military and civilian re-enactors and dozens of combat and support units representing many nations;Pacific and European theaters offer Navy, Marine, and Army, encampments, British Commonwealth forces, German Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe camps, and more. As a guest said "This is one of the finest WW2 shows on the east coast. Plenty of re-enactors, vintage aircraft, WW2 veterans, big band music. If you close your eyes and let your imagination work, you'll be back in 1943."