Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Disabilities Don't Affect Employability

By JOHN MILLER

Being disabled doesn't mean being unemployable.

Those people with physical, mental and learning problems do not have to remain locked away from society with feelings of worthlessness.

In fact, there is a program which works to train these people so they can fend for themselves, thereby becoming productive members of society and having a sense of pride and self confidence.

Edrie Newberry, a rehabilitation counselor with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS), said this organization does a good deal of work helping those with learning disabilities.

Part of the learning program, she said, is helping the clients find alternative lifestyles, which will allow them to find gainful employment.

"Schools," Newberry said, "teach there is only one right way to do things. We tell people to do things any way possible to achieve the desired results.

"We get calls from people who disagree with out methods, but we work to make our clients self-sufficient."

The entire philosophy behind what the Rehab Services does is to get people working.

"We're not alternative services and don't do emergencies," she said.

Those who think they may qualify can set up an appointment with the ARS. They will be evaluated, with their medical records examined, a psychological test given, along with a light physical.

For those who qualify, Newberry said, the ARS interviews them as to what type of job they would like to be trained for.

"We take their limitations and look at their old jobs," she said. "Basically it's the client's choice. This is extremely important because someone who's told what to do doesn't have ownership in the program.

"My job is to direct people by looking at what they want to do. We try and help them make the right selection for training."

Once the job selection is made, training starts as soon as possible.

The ARS works with employers to make sure they aren't giving clients the job because they're "do-gooders" but because the person is qualified and can do the work required. Otherwise, Newberry said, everyone loses.

"These people need real jobs," she said. "They are good, viable workers. Most people want to work."

The program works with Social Security to help the clients continue receiving benefits while they work until they get back on their feet economically -- or until nine months elapses, whichever comes first.

Newberry said the employers are informed of the special problems the ARS clients bring to the job. This way, if the employer sees changes in the employee's behavior they can discuss it with them, see if they are taking their medication and see they get the help they need.

"This gives the people the feeling someone cares," Newberry said. "A little nice, warm, fuzzy goes a long way."

For some, college is the answer, she said. The ARS can help clients with scholarships and some other financial aid.

Others, though, can benefit more from on the job training. The ARS, in some cases, helps employers pay a portion of the client's paycheck until they are fully trained and can do the work on their own.

According to Newberry, those who have the hardest time with transition are not those who have been handicapped or disabled for many years, but those suffering recent problems.

For them, more mental health counseling is required as they must learn to deal with their new limitations and come to terms with their problems. "We encourage them to see their own therapist," Newberry said, "because we can't see them often enough.

"We do try and help them deal with their disabilities and the accompanying emotional problems. We work to normalize the disability."

Once people learn to cope with their new situation, she said, and people find out about their problems, they are no longer a curiosity and tend to become just another person to those around them.

"People will forget they have a disability and they won't stand out," she said. "We try and help them get over the bitterness and learn to accept and ask for help. People are willing to help others if they know what to do."

Helping the disabled become self-sufficient and find jobs is not the end of the ARS's goal, Newberry said. The organization also helps its clients develop leisure skills as well, to adapt to their special circumstances and needs.

"We want to try and make our clients happy," she said.

For more information about the ARS program, cal (501) 623-4479 and ask for Jill.

Newberry is in Gurdon every other Thursday during the month from 8:30-11:30 a.m. She is available in the afternoon by appointment at the Gurdon City Hall.