Different views from different generations

Greetings! I'm Scott Savoy, managing editor at
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
It is a typical fall weekend and I hope that everyone is doing just fine and
getting ready to enjoy some outdoor freshness and/or some pre Christmas
shopping.

Today, I am delighted to share an editorial written by our president Donna
J. Jodhan in which she presents views from different generations of blind
persons.
Enjoy and have a great weekend.

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Different views from different generations

A few weeks ago, I decided to take some time to go out there and listen
to the views from blind persons of different generations.
Specifically, what are their views on the issues of such subjects as
employment, education, and accessibility. In order to simplify things,
I am going to refer to the generations as follows: 35 and under -
generation Y and above 35 - as generation X. I will first state the
question that I asked and then give the consensus answer.

I will hasten to add that my mission was not meant to be a formal
survey in any way shape or form but rather as a fact finding mission
for my own education. I managed to gather a total of 15 responses from
each generation and I would like to thank those of you who took the
time to respond. So without much more ado here goes.

On the subject of employment -
Question: Do you think that employment opportunities for your
generation are better than they were about five years ago?
Consensus from generation X:
Not really. Employment opportunities for this generation have always
been extremely difficult to come by and they do not see much of a
change for the foreseeable future.

Consensus from Generation Y:
Employment opportunities have improved somewhat in certain areas thanks

to better technology for the blind. However, there are still many
barriers for them to face and there is a glimmer of hope for the
future.

Question: What kind of barriers do you presently face in the
workplace?
Consensus from generation X:
There are many barriers that include attitude, ignorance, and adaptive
technology is still trying to catch up with mainstream technology.
There is also still an unwillingness to give blind persons an equal
chance to prove themselves.

Consensus from generation Y:
Some barriers have started to come down but there is still much more to
work on. The gap needs to be narrowed when it comes to employers and
employees believing in the abilities of this generation. More needs to
be done when it comes to making the workplace a more level playing
field for blind persons.

Question: Is there anything that can be done to improve employment
opportunities for blind persons?
Consensus from generation X:
Everyone needs to work on such things as attitude and more willingness
to change perceptions of what blind persons can do. A greater
awareness needs to be worked on.

Consensus from generation Y:
Employers and employees need to be given awareness training on how
blind persons can fit into the working world. More education is needed
and acceptance as well.

On the subject of education -
Question: Do you believe that your generation has had equal access to
educational facilities and opportunities?
Consensus from generation X:
Not really. Blind persons of this generation have had to fight very
hard to receive education; especially at post secondary level.

Consensus from generation Y:
Opportunities have been improving but more needs to be done in the area
of distance learning opportunities for blind persons.

Question: Do you believe that educators have been able to fully
comprehend the needs of your generation in the classroom?
Consensus from generation X:
No. In so many cases educators have failed this generation simply
because of a lack of understanding and a willingness to do so.

Consensus from generation Y:
In some cases educators seem to get it but in other cases not really.

Question: Do you believe that educational opportunities for blind
persons can be improved and if so how so?
Consensus from generation X:
The only way for any sort of improvement is for everyone to come together to
discuss what needs to be done and how it can be done. A more serious effort
needs to be made.

Consensus from generation Y:
Things are getting better for blind persons in the classroom but if
improvement is expected to continue then blind persons need to speak up

more.

On the subject of accessibility -
Question: Do you believe that your generation has been given equal
access to important services in your community?
Consensus from generation X:
No! In so many cases, this generation seems to be the forgotten ones.

Consensus from generation Y:
Things are a bit better than they were a few years ago but there is
definitely still not equal access.

Question: Do you believe that equal access is something that could be
attained by blind persons?
Consensus from generation X:
No. For as long as governments continue to ignore the needs of blind
persons, there will be no equality to accessibility.

Consensus from generation Y:
No. Equal access can only be attained if a serious effort is made to make it
happen.

So there you have it; views from two different generations.
My two cents for today.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would
be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca