Hot job market opens for disabled

Alan Vuong, who has movement in his arms but not in his fingers, recently got work doing data entry. He says employers are often unaware of what people with disabilities can do.

Cerebral palsy has weakened Kelly Phillips’ legs, making crutches her constant accessory. She is also legally blind and has problems seeing small print and long distances.

Due to her disabilities, it’s been tough for the 28-year-old Calgarian to find work. But after years of being dismissed — "they will have the first interview and then I won’t get called back for a second one" — life is changing on the job front.

Phillips and others believe thousands of disabled Albertans are finding new work opportunities in the current powerhouse economy.

According to Statistics Canada, disabled Canadians suffer unemployment rates of more than 25 per cent. They are often quickly dismissed from consideration for a job because they are in a wheelchair, they can’t hear, or their mind works a little differently.

Kelly Cryderman, Calgary Herald

Full Story: http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=829bd458-b6fa-4f9f-8eb8-e8c369513cde&k=87907