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Training and Performance
Parameters to map the performance of people with disabilities dont differ
from other employees. People with disabilities have to perform at par with other
employees as employers provide them with all the facilities to improve their
productivity. The
training conducted is no different from that of other employees. The main aim of
the organization has been to make people with disabilities feel that they are
equal, on one hand, and on the other, that the rest of the employees should see
them at par and work with them as a team.
"Competency-based trainings range from presentation skills
to advanced analytical skills. Special emphasis is given in providing these
employees with fire safety training which is conducted every quarter,
emergency evacuation techniques, and other risk management
strategies," says Nandita Gurjar.
"Specific methodologies have been devised depending on
individual needs," said Mohit Jain, chief innovation officer, 24x7.
Recruitment Process
BPOs like MphasiS and Infosys carry one-liners in advertisements which say they
are hiring people with disabilities. Infosys also organizes special recruitment
drives solely targeted at increasing the representation of persons with
disabilities among the workforce. And, the recruitment assessment processes are
disability-friendly as well. For instance, question papers for candidates with
low vision is provided in a large font size and sign language interpreters are
engaged to assist hearing impaired people.
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Team at iCAD Engineering |
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The Mysore-based iCAD Engineering
received the Best employer for physically challenged award, in
recognition to its contribution in mobilizing the physically challenged
community by giving them employment in the organization. Software
Technology Parks of India, Department of IT, BT, S&T, and the
Karnataka government instituted the award jointly.
Today, the Mysore design center of
iCAD Engineering has 100 employees and 15 of them are physically
challenged. About 70% of these belong to rural Karnataka. Three of these
individuals are among the ten employees who were recognized for their
outstanding contribution to the growth of the organization.
Several initiatives taken up
by iCAD:
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Earn While You Learn: in
collaboration with JSSPH, iCAD will extend assistantship to fifth
semester students hailing from an economically weak background,
wherein these students will get training in 3D Modeling and also get
the opportunity to work as part time employees in iCAD. There are
plans to also include the students from lower semester in his program.
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Campus Interview: to
infuse confidence in people with disabilities and make them better
equipped for facing interviews.
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Communication Skills
Training: training in English speaking so that they are better
equipped when opting for jobs in urban areas.
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Visually Oriented
Training: Special training for visually impaired to bring them at par
with other employees. There are also plans to engage an interpreter to
train deaf employees.
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A Bright Future
With more and more organizations becoming aware of the potential workforce,
a bright future awaits people with disabilities. Organizations which already
have people with disabilities are planning to increase the number. Infosys BPO
is planning to raise the percentage to about five, while 24x7 wants to raise it
to 20.
These organizations now have all the systems in place to utilize
this segment which so far has been underutilized. Challenges have been
understood and, accordingly, policies have been altered to ensure effective
functioning, and facilities are being extended to ensure productivity. There are
organizations which are counting on the WiMax technology so that they can
kick-start the concept of working from home.
H Chethana Gadiyar
chethanag@cybermedia.co.in Page(s) 1 2
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