Better Prospects on the Horizon for Hiring the Hearing Impaired

A recent article in the Chicago Tribune entitled, “Casino Bets on the Hearing-Impaired: Nonprofit Helps Des Plaines Gambling Venue Focus on Abilities, Not Disabilities In Hiring,” drew attention to an important issue- changing hiring practices affecting the hearing impaired.  As the article highlighted, things are looking better. A sigh of relief from many can been felt, as historically those with hearing issues have encountered numerous obstacles in the hiring process.

The article focused its story on the experience of one individual, Kuumba Hogu, who explained that it was discouraging how many potential employers could not see past his “hearing-aid.” "I'm just glad to be offered the opportunity to work here," Hogu said. "It's been a long journey for me." A sentiment he backed up with personal stories recounting the various hurtles that had previously prevented him from being hired.

But thanks to a non-profit called, Anixter Center, a 95 year old organization that partners with companies looking to hire disabled staffers, Hugo was brought in for an interview at the Casino which currently employs seven hearing impaired individuals. The organization was founded on the principles that “disabled people can exceed job expectations despite some limits.”  A significant part of the organization has focused on bringing in translators to easy any communication problems, both in the initial interview and later when the individual has been hired.

Historically the problem has been that “employers [have focused] on the person's disability rather than their abilities,” remarked David Price, an employment specialist at the Anixter Center. Despite that Hugo and others like him is a testament that things are changing for the better and that companies are becoming more receptive to incorporating new systems to accommodate the disabled.

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