‘We have to work toward breaking down barriers’

People with disabilities in the CNMI face unique cultural challenges, the director of California’s Department of Rehabilitation said yesterday at the Commonwealth’s Disability Employment Awareness Month summit.

Anthony Sauer, who was appointed to the position by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2007, said in the short time he has been on island he has learned that the cultural aspect of relying on family members can hold back some people with disabilities from gaining employment.

“It’s a well meaning part of the culture,” Sauer, the keynote speaker of the summit, said. “There’s a place for a role of family. Letting go of someone with a disability is harder.”

It’s important that people learn to get out and become competitive in the workforce, he added.

The Americans with Disabilities Act does not mean an employer has to hire a disabled worker; it means they must hire the most qualified person, whether they are disabled or not, he added.

“Yeah, it means working harder and longer” for those who are disabled, he said.

Sauer, who was paralyzed from the waist down due to a motorcycle accident at age 18, said he hopes the three-day summit will help break down barriers in the CNMI.

“Employers have a lot of fears,” he said. “That’s no different than anywhere else. We have to work toward breaking down those barriers.”

Sauer said he would like to hear that a year from now employers hired five more employees with disabilities.

“That five, or even one, breeds comfort of hiring those with disabilities,” he added.

In our society unemployment can be embarrassing, Sauer said, adding that in social settings, people often ask others about their jobs.

“When you don’t have an answer, it’s hard because our society places value on that,” he said.

The summit, held at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan yesterday and Hyatt Regency Saipan today and tomorrow, is part of the National Disability Employment Awareness month. Today’s topics include the Americans with Disabilities Act and independent living. Also, several directors and presidents of local agencies and businesses will discuss what the CNMI needs to do to equip people with special needs to be independent and employable.

Margarita R. Olopaio-Taitano, director of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, said the summit is important, especially with the Commonwealth’s increase in the number of people seeking OVR’s assistance. Last year there were 39 people seeking OVR’s help; this year there is more than 100, she said. A large number of people who are visually impaired are seeking the organization’s help.

“I encourage people with disabilities to be strong with high hopes,” Olopaio-Taitano, said. “OVR stands ready to help them. Seek us.”

For those interested please call OVR at 322-6537/6538.

OVR is a state and federal partnership agency under the Office of the Governor. It provides services to individuals with disabilities in the Commonwealth.