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Florida Library Holding Disability Classes

By Nikki Young
Published Jan 19th, 2006 by the Gainesville Times
http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/stories/20060119/ localnews/58865.shtml

If you've ever kicked yourself for telling a blind customer to "Come back and see us," the Hall County Library System has a workshop for you.

The East Hall Branch and Special Needs Library now offers a class on disability etiquette and American with Disabilities Act compliance.

Individuals, businesses, churches, civic leaders or community service organizations are invited to schedule a free "All Ways Welcome" workshop with branch manager Kathy Evans.

The session is tailored for each group and lasts anywhere from 20 minutes to 3 hours, depending on how much training is desired.

Evans will teach participants how to make improvements to include people with disabilities, identify situations and behaviors that commonly happen in the workplace, be aware of ADA standards and use appropriate terminology.

"It makes you really think about what you already may be doing or saying," Evans said.

Nancy Brewer, a visually impaired resident of Gainesville, said the course would make it easier for people with limitations to participate in their community by educating the public. Sometimes people just don't know what to do or say to help without offending a disabled person.

"I have found this world to be extremely willing to help as long as they feel like they're not putting the person down," Brewer said.

The workshop is a great opportunity for a business to educate its staff on how to serve disabled customers, said Lisa MacKinney, the library's assistant director for human resources and public relations. On top of improving customer service, it could prevent a complaint for an ADA violation.

"If you can't attune yourself in to what they're going through, there's a chance you could lose sales," Evans said. "The disabled community has money and they're willing to spend."

They are also willing to work, Brewer said. Some employers shy away from hiring disabled people, fearing they won't get the job done. They may find the opposite to be true.

"You try even harder when you have a limitation to be as useful and sighted as other people," Brewer said.

In the workshop, employers can learn the changes needed to accommodate a disabled employee. It may be as easy as a Braille phone template or a ride to work.

"If you can treat them well, they will be loyal and stick with you," MacKinney said. "You'll be glad you offered them the opportunity."