ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************

Hi Jennifer (and everyone else),
I have 2 staff members with disabilities: one suffers from a brain
injury (Bethany) and the other has cerebral palsy (Robin). Bethany uses
a wheelchair to get around. Both women work in our Preschool Gallery and
both have the same job description as all other part-time staff who work
in this area. Bethany was hired before I was her supervisor so I do not
know how she went through the application process but Robin sought us
out through our volunteer program. When I interviewed her we were both
very honest about what was required and what accommodations she needed
in order to successfully volunteer at the Museum.
I would say the best way to have successful employees with disabilities
on your staff is: 1.) Have TONS of flexibility 2.) Communicate with
them. Ask them how you can make their experience more positive and 3.)
Have respect for the individual and their abilities 4.) A sense of humor
never hurts! I am constantly in touch with Bethany's doctors and
therapists and, along with Bethany, we decide the best course of action
to take as situations arise. 
The biggest challenge I have come across is with interactions of
non-disabled staff members with our disabled staff members. I think most
of it stems from insecurities about how to interact with disabled staff.
If people are not used to interacting with those with disabilities they
tend to get nervous. I know when I get nervous I sometimes say and do
"stupid" things. Everyone reacts differently. When situations have
arisen, I take the blanket approach and email everyone on staff with the
following information: 1.) Suggestions on how to handle the situation if
it arises again 2.) How they can contact me if they ever need assistance
or have a question 3.) A reminder of the importance of ALL of our
part-time staff members who allow all of us full-time, office people to
have these email discussions on the LISTSERV.
I hope this information is helpful. Please feel free to email me off
list or give me a buzz at 734-995-5439. Good luck!
-Erin

Erin S. Mattimoe
Public Programs Manager
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
220 E. Ann St.
Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48104
Phone: 734.995.5439
Fax: 734.995.1188
Web: www.aahom.org

-----Original Message-----
From: Jennifer Correa [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2005 11:42 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Hiring front line staff with disabilities

ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
************************************************************************
*****

Hi Everyone,
We recently started hiring students with disabilities to work as 
Explainers on the exhibit floor. I would like to find out about how 
other institutions are employing people with disabilities as front line 
staff. How did you get them to apply? What is their job description? 
How are you dealing with any issues?

Thanks!

Jennifer Correa
New York Hall of Science
Manager of Explainers
47-01 111th Street
Flushing Meadows Corona Park, NY 11368
ph. 718.699.0005 ext. 345
fax. 718.699.1341
[log in to unmask]

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