| In 2004 there were currently 7 million disabled people | | | | "I am hard-working, punctual, and friendly with good |
| of employment age in the UK, but less than 3.5 million | | | | observation skills that could benefit a company within |
| of them are working. | | | | the security sector or involved with quality testing. I |
| Seventy-percent of working age Americans with | | | | have been a football steward for three years and |
| disabilities are unemployed. Finding jobs is not easy. | | | | am used to reacting and communicate in sometimes |
| A number of not-for-profit organizations are trying to | | | | difficult circumstances in a calm and responsible |
| help. They advised employers to be more | | | | manner." |
| open-minded about disabled people. | | | | "I would like someone to trust me sufficiently to give |
| Rodbourne based "Working for Opportunities" (WfO) | | | | me a reasonable work trial to prove my capabilities in |
| says preconception makes life hard for people like | | | | filling a known or planned vacancy." |
| Rebecca Davies that has Asperger's Syndrome. She | | | | The positive side of people with Asperger's |
| works as a steward at the County Ground. The | | | | Syndrome is that they make good employees. In the |
| interview process disadvantages her although | | | | workplace people with Asperger's Syndrome like |
| Rebecca has a wide range of skills that get | | | | structure and routine in employment, are punctual, |
| interviews. She thinks her disability usually gives a | | | | can work alone, are meticulous, pay great attention |
| false impression of her. Rebecca compares the | | | | to detail, take pride in their work, and can handle |
| formal interview with a climb on Mount Everest. | | | | repetitive tasks. |
| "I am very good at learning new things and I like | | | | More agencies need to focus their attention on |
| following clear instructions and procedures shown to | | | | Asperger Syndrome and on ways of assisting people |
| me by an understanding person who is patient and | | | | find employment. |
| doesn't mind answering my questions. | | | | |