On August 15th, Human Resource analyst Flavia Xavier represented Fiotec at the Employability Workshop for students of the Benjamin Constant Institute (IBC), in the Urca district of Rio de Janeiro, who participate in the Enter Jovem Program- developed by the Empreender Institute in partnership with IBC and Fiotec – aiming to provide professional training and an English language conversation course for people with visual deficiency. Subjects covered at the encounter were: how to behave at a job interview; appropriate types of dress; notions of group dynamics; and how to hire visually-deficient professionals.
During the workshop, Flávia collaborated with tips about professional opportunities and selective processes. She stressed that Fiotec does not seek only to fill the hiring quotas established by law, but rather to develop, provide growth and maintain professionals with special needs as members of a productive team.
“I was very moved with some stories of participants I met on my visit to IBC. The most moving one was Vanessa, who had a hyperactive life like any youngster of her age. She worked as a salesperson at a store and studied at the same time. For five years she tried without success to enter into MSN (instant messaging system) because of her blindness. After studying for a few years at IBC to adapt to the new scenario, she went back to doing some activities, among others, keying on a computer”, said Ms. Xavier.
Receiving a professional with visual deficiency
Basic concerns related to the structure of a workplace for people with visual deficiencies should be: use of specific flooring in certain places; signs in braille in strategic locations; and voice system software packages. “Companies need to be better informed about adaptations which are needed to hire people with special needs. Providing an environment which is accessible is simple, and sometimes, lack of knowledge makes hiring impossible”, said Xavier.
To make everyone’s work routine more pleasant, company employees also must be instructed on how to relate to professional with special needs. According to Flávia, a person with visual deficiency should never be held unless he or she gives permission to do so. It is recommended that the professional be given a chance to become acquainted with the space as, for sure, he or she will ask for help if necessary. Before touching a visually-deficient professional, tell him or her beforehand. ‘For example: if you need to take a piece of paper from his or her hand, say that you will do so and when you come close, touch lightly in his or her hand. The same should be done when greeting,” she concluded.
Learn more about Enter Jovem Plus.
*With information from the Empreender Institute.
