How to recruit employees with physical challenges
My father's medical practice has a receptionist/phone scheduler job that they think might work for someone with physical challenges (limited mobility, maybe blindness, ??), but they don't know how to reach out to the community to advertise the opportunity and figure out what accommodations would be necessary (like software to make using the computer's scheduling program accessible, or...?). Where should they start?
Sep 20, 2019
Parent Replies
Have you tried CIL (center for independent living) in Berkeley?
Hi,
I recommend contacting Kate Williams from the San Francisco LightHouse for the Blind. She is in charge of the employment immersion program, specifically geared for helping persons with visual impairment find work. She developed this highly successful program, and is just a wonderful person to chat with. Her email is kwilliams [at] lighthouse.org. Happy to any questions, Marlena. Marlenachu [at] yahoo.com
Call (Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund) DREDF and they can help you with this.
I'd contact the Department of Rehabilitation office near you (https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/FindAnOffice). I don't know exactly what their services are for employers, but I do know they serve the opposite end helping people with disabilities find work, so they should be able to help.
I don’t know the details of the program exactly but I know my office has been working with Toolworks (toolworks.org) to provide internships. Per their website, it sounds like it could be what you are looking for.
Hello! I recommend contacting the California Department of Rehabilitation for help finding applicants with physical challenges. They have job postings and will work with employers to find applicants. Their website is: https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/BusinessEmployer
Hope this helps!
Hi Inga, thank you for thinking broadly on how to fill the receptionist position.
Eastbay Innovations is a great place to start. I would like to refer you to Lori Kostanas who can be reached at lkostonas [at] eastbayinnovations.org;
phone#: (510) 418-9804.
All the best to you.
Deidra Perry
Workforce Development Specialist
(510)259-3827
Perhaps reach out to Lighthouse for the Blind? http://lighthouse-sf.org Or someone at the Ed Roberts Campus? https://www.edrobertscampus.org
I suggest that you contact your local California State Department of Rehabilitation (DR). Since the city the job is located in isn't mentioned I am unable to tell you where the closest DR office is. You should be able to go online and easily find out that information. Several years ago I worked as an Employment Placement Specialist with DR clients and would have welcomed this job announcement for one of my consumers. DR should be able to put you in touch with one of their counselors or a Job Placement Specialist. DR will also be able to let you know what accommodations are necessary for the person to do the job based on that individual's disabilities and the requirements of the job.
You might want to check with Center for Independent Living https://www.thecil.org/core
There's a great organization called East Bay Innovations that works with employers in this area. Also try Regional Centers, and the Eastbay Works network of career centers operating in both Alameda and Contra Costa counties.