We raise the bar “hire” for people with disabilities
National Grid was at the Raise the Bar Hire conference and career fair to advocate for and recruit persons with disabilities.
The conference highlighted the advantages of opening doors for disabled persons.
The message was important for me. I have two master’s degrees and lots of experience, but for some reason employers never called me back. For more than a decade I’ve been seeking permanent employment at decent pay, and recently have even been turned away from employers at dead-end jobs.
Ramón Bannister, Communications Intern, Res Woods, standing next to Dr. Temple Grandin, world renowned Autism Spokesperson
Then, a few years ago I was diagnosed with “possibly” having a certain disability, a social disorder – and everything made sense.
Last year, I met Alex Mango, VP Audit, through a Mentoring Day program. It was a lucky encounter. He looked at my resume and was shocked that I could not find a decent job. He gave me no promises – just that he’d help me through life’s challenges, something I especially needed.
National Grid was a major sponsor for the conference, because it gives everyone a fair chance to succeed. Thanks to this company and Alex, I’m in the middle of an internship with Corporate Communications and work in Reservoir Woods.
Ramon, we’re thrilled tthat you’re part of the team – you brighten up Corp Comms. every day. I’m also appreciative of the help you gave me with my video I submitted for the Chairman’s Awards, as well as how you keep us on our toes with the latest relevant news clips of the day. Keep up the good work.
Having worked with students with dissabilities, I know first hand of the challeges if trying to get a job. No matter that some of them went on to get university degrees or became trained for other types of work. The label followed them everywhere. However, of the ones who have come back to visit me and have jobs, their performance is excellent. I am hoping that people are judged for their ability to take on a job and not for the label, which in many cases represents a vague notion of people’s worth.