Perspectives - Text Only

Perspectives

Wanda Tiller: Alfa Laval Thermal

In the summer of 1996, a local supported employment agency approached the Human Resources manager at Alfa Laval Thermal. During the initial meeting with Human Resources, the employment specialist explained the services they could offer and asked that Alfa Laval Thermal consider the work areas within the company that might take advantage of this employment service. The distribution area for Marketing Literature was identified as an area that could use a person to assemble sales binders for the sales representatives to distribute to their customers. The employment specialist selected Thomas as having the right skills for the tasks assigned. Alfa Laval Thermal interviewed and hired him. Thomas has been working with the company for almost three years.

Ms. Wanda Tiller, Alfa Laval Thermal's Office Services Coordinator, is responsible for the Literature Department and serves as Thomas' direct supervisor. She said that by hiring Thomas the entire company was forced to look at things differently. For example, the Employee Activities Committee now ensures that all company functions are accessible.

"At first, Thomas' coworkers were a little uncomfortable. Since his speech is unclear, they felt uneasy asking him to repeat things. Now, they enjoy talking and spending time with Thomas. Everyone jokes around with him."

Ms. Tiller suggests that other businesses should look into diversifying their staff. She says the first step is to ensure that your building is accessible. Alfa Laval added accessible parking spaces, electric doors and switched the direction bathroom doors opened so that Thomas was more comfortable. This also made the building more accessible to customers with disabilities.