Congresswoman Heather Wilson, First Congressional District of New Mexico
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| Disabilities Employment Awareness Month |
August 04, 2004 |
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The month of August 2004 has been declared Disabilities Employment Awareness Month in honor of Leslie G. Sawey. Leslie has been working in Heather’s Albuquerque office for about 4 months now. She is a happy person, who has a desire to do a great job. In her request to volunteer in Heather’s office, Leslie said that she was the “best in the world at stuffing and collating mailings as well as labeling.” She has lived up to her claims. Leslie works very hard at her job and is very careful not to make mistakes.
 Leslie is involved with a program called Arca here in Albuquerque. The Arca foundation has been helping disabled New Mexicans be a positive part of the community since 1957. With services such as assisted living homes, job training and placement, and a literacy program Arca is able to assist more than 400 people a year.
 People with disabilities are very employable. There are many myths that surround the employment of disabled persons. Some employers may feel that these employees would not be productive, or be a safety concern. In 1990, DuPont conducted a survey of 811 employees with disabilities and found 90% rated average or better in job performance compared to 95% for employees without disabilities. A similar 1981 DuPont study which involved 2,745 employees with disabilities found that 92% of employees with disabilities rated average or better in job performance compared to 90% of employees without disabilities. In the 1990 DuPont study, the safety records of both groups were identical.
Through her work these past four months, Leslie has been a role model for people and businesses in the community. She conveys a simple yet critical message: Attitude is the key to raising the level of employment for people with disabilities. |
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