Disabled gain respect in job market

Posted: Monday, Oct 09, 2006 - 11:02:26 pm PDT
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By CHRISTI WILHELM 

TESH, NIC sponsor public forum called 'Tapping into the Hidden Labor Market' on Friday

Staff writer

COEUR d'ALENE -- When Evelyn Villines started grade school, she was sent back home by a teacher who said she didn't have time to teach someone with a disability.

Years later during a job interview, an employer patted her on the head and told her to go home where someone would take of her.

But Villines refused. Childhood polio wouldn't stop her.

Villines persevered and has become a heavyweight disability awareness advocate for NISH, a national nonprofit that creates job opportunities through federal contracts for people with severe disabilities.

"I don't think of myself as limited," Villines said in a phone interview. "One of the problems we face is that employers don't really look to us as prospective employees."

That mentality is changing.

On Friday, Villines will share the rest of her story at "Tapping into the Hidden Labor Market," a public forum sponsored by TESH and North Idaho College.

The intent of the conference is to provide actual data proving that people

with disabilities are good workers who deserve a chance, Villines said.

"We recognize that there are marvelous employers who hire our people, but many interview us because they have to. They say they will call, but we rarely hear back," she said.

Villines has been a spokeswoman for NISH for more than two decades. She was appointed to a federal disability committee by President Clinton.

NISH is the greatest single thing that has happened for people with severe disabilities, Villines said.

"We have 47,000 people with disabilities working within state government agencies. We work in food service for naval and air bases and veteran hospitals. And many work in several of this country's work centers to make American flags that cover the coffins of our lost soldiers," said Villines, whose disability requires that she sometimes wear leg braces and use a wheel chair. "We're motivated and well-trained. Sometimes it's discouraging to look at the want ads. Employers don't think about hiring persons with disabilities."

Villines is one of seven speakers who will address employers and the public about the stigma surrounding hiring people with disabilities. And, with unemployment rates at their lowest in North Idaho, employers should be aware of potential employees available to them, said Russ Doumas, TESH chief executive officer.

"We want to spread the word to employers that disabled persons are a hidden labor source," said Doumas, the force behind the nonprofit's push to enlighten and attract area employers. "Our audience is human resource directors and small businesses that are having a hard time filling labor spots. We want them to consider working with TESH."

Though some TESH clients have various mental illnesses they, too, can become valuable employees because the majority of the illnesses are 100 percent treatable, said Rob Bishop, a social worker at Region 1 Mental Health, who will speak about mental illness misconceptions and the recovery process.

"Recovery is possible. Thirty years ago, going back to work was not recommended, but I expect it from the people I work with," Bishop said.

Mental illness is partly a biochemical disorder that is managed and overcome with many types of treatment. The recovery rate for mental illness is higher than patients with heart disease, and re-entering the workplace is one reason why, Bishop said.

"Work helps a person feel productive, and gives them a sense of purpose and passion," Bishop said. "It's also a better source of income than disability compensation, and it's a place for social connections and support."

Five to and 10 percent of people have a mental illness, but few require that a person abandon a job or opt not to look for one at all, Bishop said.

The forum, which takes place Friday, is one of four Disability Awareness Month activities sponsored by TESH. The others:

• The Fall Haul, a furniture, housewares, appliance and clothing donation drive for TESH's Kellogg thrift store, whose sales benefit all TESH programs. It took place Saturday, but donations and goods are always welcome. Information: 765-5105

• A 30-year anniversary dinner

• The Celebration of Stars, which takes place from 2 to 3:30 p.m., Oct. 20 at TESH.

In addition to Doumas, Bishop and Villines, speakers at the forum will include Lita Burns, director of nursing and health professionals at NIC; Sue Crowley, NIC's health professions and nursing allied health coordinator and human services instructor; Gary Hamilton, regional director of Region 1 Vocational Rehab; and Phil Duckett, Buck Knives' executive vice president of operations.

Topics include why tapping into the hidden labor market makes sense, opportunities to be part of the solution, matching employer needs, and success stories.

Doumas started as TESH's CEO in July 2005 and works with a pool of at least 30 people with disabilities who are seeking full- and part-time work.

The key, Doumas said, is matching employee with employer for the perfect fit.

TESH provides life and independent living skills programs for people with disabilities. Over the past 30 years, many clients have successfully entered the local workforce. Some have perfect attendance and are celebrating 10- and 15-year anniversaries with the same company.

And some are starting careers with new-to-the-area businesses, such as Buck Knives. Still others work for established hospitality and food service industries, including McDonald's, The Resort, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Great Harvest Bread, Safeway and more. Manufacturing-type businesses -- Buck Knives and Blackhawk Manufacturing USA -- also hire TESH clients.

"There isn't a day that we don't have a list of people who are looking for work," Doumas said. "They go to places they haven't been before and most employers' doors are open.

"They (people with disabilities) bring an enthusiasm to the workplace. They have such an appreciation of their co-workers, and they give us a broader perspective of what makes our community such a great place."