A radio traffic reporter and a banker are among the individuals featured in the sixth episode of Able Lives, which focuses on work and how it relates to people with disabilities. The episode looks at how people with disabilities use technology to help them in their work; the value of their labor; the barriers to advancement and acquiring jobs; and the role of personal assistants on the job.
Viewers will meet Tommy Edison, a traffic reporter for Star 99.9 WEZN FM in Milford, Conn. Edison is a sightless man guiding sighted commuters every morning and evening. These drivers depend on the accuracy of his traffic reports and his personality to help them get through their days, as well as through the traffic.
The episode also profiles David Gregoire, who uses assistive technology in his job as senior credit analyst for Liberty Bank in Middletown, Conn.. The assistive technology was provided by the State of Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitation Services.
Able Lives also focuses on Tome Wade, a teacher at Bridgeport Central High School, and Cleen LeBlanc, who does information technology for the Coast Guard Academy and works for General Dynamics.
Related Resources:
The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services
Latino Parents
Office of Disablity Employment Policy
Disability Info
Job Accommodation Network
Tax Incentives Packet on the Americans with Disabilities Act
Office of Disability Employment Policy -- Transportation
Proyecto Vision
ediONLINE
Parellels in Time II
Proyecto Vision -- Bridges Conference
Department of Labor -- Office of Disability Employment Policy
National Organization on Disability
State of Connecticut -- Department of Social Services
US Department of Labor -- Office of Disability Employment Policy
Able Data
Assistive Technology
State of Connecticut Department of Labor