[nfbmi-talk] Do As We Say, Not As We Do . . .

[Terry D. Eagle]

The state says, as the state neither makes the Michigan Civil Service job
application website accessible to users of screen reader software, and has
only given lip service to the executive order urging state agencies to
employ the "Hidden Talent" possessed by persons with disAbilities.

 

For the past 21 months I have been working with the general counsel of
Michigan Civil Service Commission to make the civil service job application
website accessible to screen reader users, by simply tagging the code for
buttons and links, so a person using screen reader software can indepently
complete the application and attach documents, without assistance from a
sighted person.  I have been told it will be accessible by the end of this
month; one week from now.  If isn't fully accessible I will take legal
action for discrimination in equal opportunity employment.

 

I am also getting lip service from Lt. Gov. Calley's office on the executive
order with regard to non-implementation of state agencies hiring of
qualified persons with disAbilities.  The executive order appears to only be
a media publicity stunt, as is the tour of Calley and Bernstein, as shown
below in the article.  The state is saying, do as I say, not as I do!

 

In the article, it is notable that the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons
was not among resources for private sector employers to contact for hiring
of willing and able persons with disAbilities.

 

 

Calley and Bernstein team up for disability 

John Kennett, jkennett at mdn.net 

Published 10:32 am, Wednesday, September 21, 2016 

Photo Provided

The Midland Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the MI Hidden Talent Tour on
Tuesday at the Midland Country Club. The tour emphasizes the employment of
people with disabilities. From left, Midland County Administrator/Controller
Bridgette Gransden, State Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein; Robyn
Afrik, outreach program specialist for Meijer; Lt. Gov. Brian Calley; Jenny
Piatt, Michigan Rehabilitation Services vocation rehabilitation manager; and
Arnold Center President Charles Markey. 

 

Politics was pushed to the rear Tuesday as Lt. Gov. 

Brian Calley and Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein came
together to discuss an important topic: employment of people with
disabilities. 

 

Calley and Bernstein teamed up with panelists Charles Markey, Arnold Center
president; 

Jenny Piatt, Michigan Rehabilitation Services vocation rehabilitation
manager; and Robyn Afrik, outreach program specialist for Meijer; for the MI
Hidden Talent Tour at the Midland Country Club. 

 

"We are not here to talk about charity today," said Calley, who has a
daughter who struggles with autism. "We're talking about being intentional
in finding and recognizing abilities that people have." 

 

For over a year now, Bernstein, a Democrat, and Calley, a Republican, have
been sharing their passion for those with disabilities on the MI Hidden
Talent Tour. "I love working with Lt. Gov. Calley, this is a person who
really embodies what government is about: helping people, making a
difference and using public service to transform and create a better life
for the people you serve," said Bernstein, who is blind and has run a
marathon in New York City with Calley. 

 

Speaking at the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce Third Quarter Membership
Luncheon, Bernstein and Calley told a roomful of business owners and leaders
that their companies can benefit from hiring Michiganders with disabilities.


 

"I want you to be intentional about hiring a person with disabilities, not
just being open to it, but doing it on purpose. They bring innovations,
creativity, determination and perseverance. Just think what those qualities
could bring to your workplace," Calley said. 

 

Life can be hard on everyone at times, but for those with disabilities, it
tends to be a constant trial. 

 

"These are people who have struggled. But, the struggles make us great,"
Bernstein said. "When you hire a disabled person, it's not about charity,
it's about strength, it's about passion, it's about commitment, it's about
energy, endurance, gratitude. It's about the idea that you know as a
disabled person you are going to have to work harder, going to have to face
more. When you come to the workplace, strength and passion goes into
everything that you do." 

 

That passion can be a tremendous benefit for a company or organization.  

 

"If you hire us, we will provide you with that energy and that enthusiasm in
everything we do.  This will allow for your organization to benefit from our
presence because we realize the gift you are giving us. We have learned that
the first lesson in life is that you take nothing for granted," he added. 

 

Employment is also be a tremendous boost for a person with a disability. 

 

"People with disabilities crave for those simple things in life that most
people take for granted.  That's what drives us. You have to realize that
when you give a disabled person a chance to get a job, to come to your
office, to be in your community, you are going to have an energetic,
enthusiastic and passionate employee. They realize how precious and
meaningful it is," Bernstein said. 

 

Emcee Bridgette Gransden, Midland County controller/administrator, followed
up Calley's and Bernstein's opening remarks by asking the panel, "Why is it
important to focus on hiring Michiganders with disabilities?" 

 

Markey said the issue in Michigan is huge, with 81 percent of people with
disabilities who want to work being unemployed. 

 

"With all our efforts we still haven't found the solution to find the right
match between employers who have work and people who have abilities and
match those up with custom employment. How can we better serve those with
disabilities and match them with the skills they have and train them with
new skills to match employers who are looking for those skills desperately?"
he asked. 

 

Afrik turned it around and asked, "Why are we not hiring these people?" 

 

"The fact that we are sitting here today addressing this very issue is the
fact that we have overlooked an untapped market of talent," she stated. 

 

Calley wrapped up the 90-minute luncheon with an exhortation to not
predetermine what a person can or can't do without having a conversation. 

 

"Try it," he encouraged. "Call one of our community partners, like (Michigan
Rehabilitation Services or the Arnold Center). They will try and match you
up with somebody that fits those needs and then help with any accommodation
needed to organize and make that happen."