It's been a long time since Tammy Higgins has had a job. But it's not because she can't or doesn't want to work.
"I'm able to work, and there's other people that have disabilities that are able to work, too," said Higgins, who has cerebral palsy. "They just need a chance to show what they can do."
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A recent survey by the National Organization on Disability found that only 32 percent of people with disabilities of working age work full or part time, compared with 81 percent of the population without a disability. More than two-thirds of those who are not employed say they would prefer to work.
Independence Inc., a local resource center for people with disabilities, hopes its first-ever job fair Monday will help bridge the gap between capable disabled employees and good jobs at Lawrence businesses.
"Yeah sure, you can go out there and get a fast-food job. But do you want a fast-food job? I don't want a fast-food job," said Kendall Simmons, Computer Learning Center coordinator at Independence Inc. "We're talking about gainful employment in something that's decent to do and pays a decent wage and has health benefits, which is a particular concern to people with disabilities."
The job fair is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday at Independence Inc., 2001 Haskell Ave. Although it's targeted at people with disabilities, Simmons said anyone is welcome to stop by, talk to employers, turn in a rmnd maybe even interview.
Like Higgins, many Independence Inc. clients who plan to attend the job fair have been taking computer-training classes at the facility. The courses teach everything from computer basics to office software to repairing and rebuilding computers.
Higgins has improved her typing speed from less than 20 to more than 40 words a minute while taking the computer basics course.
"I'm bound and determined to get a good job and I'm working my tail off to do that," she said.
Part of the reason people with so many different disabilities can work with computers is because of adaptive technologies like screen magnification and voice recognition software.
The staff member who maintains Independence Inc.'s Web page has carpal tunnel syndrome and wouldn't be able to use a computer if it weren't for a trackball that he can maneuver with the palm of his hand instead of using a mouse, Simmons said.
Examples of such assistive technologies will be on display at the job fair.
Simmons said this might not be an ideal time for a job fair, given the shifty economy since Sept. 11.
"But on the other hand, there are still jobs, there are still people who need to fill jobs, there are still opportunities," she said. "It's not like America is completely shut down."
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