DO-IT Co-Sponsors ACCESS Job Fair

Seattle's annual ACCESS Job Fair for individuals with disabilities was held on March 7 at the Seattle Center. The event was co-sponsored by DO-IT and other businesses and community partners, including REI, Safeco, Safeway, Starbucks, the Aven Foundation, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind.

"At DO-IT, we understand the high value of a job fair designed specifically for job seekers with disabilities," explains DO-IT Program Manager Michael Richardson. "Our staff hosted a display of assistive technology, an exhibit of pictures and publications, and a workshop for about twenty-five high school students with disabilities."

High school students heard a presentation about job seeking skills and learned ways to take advantage of a job fair. They also played a "Job Seeker" trivia game for prizes and ate pizza for lunch. As students navigated the job fair, they collected company information and job application forms and dropped off resumes. When asked what they learned, students said:

• "You should always have a few resumes when you go to a job fair."
• "Want ads are NOT the best way to get jobs. You have to network."
• "You need to spend time preparing for an interview—practice ahead of time!"
• "It's always good to find out about different accommodations."
• "At an interview, dress nicely and shake hands at the end when you say 'thank you.'"
• "Honesty is a big key to a successful interview."
• "After an interview, follow up with the person."