A Virtual Universe : Disability , Employment & The Future of The Job Interview

We are in a virtual age, the internet has redefined how we live , work and play. It is creating a whole new cultural landscape of how we conduct our lives to such a degree that essential part of our dailyt existence. For people with disabilities this new 'virtul universe' has opened up a plethora of opportunities providing access to new possibilities that was not avaliable previously. One of these new access points is the job interview. Companies like TMP Worldwide is using the platform of Second Life, an online social networking community that uses 3D graphics to create a fully integrated virtual community where individuals and businesses can connect with one another. This platform is growing in popularity by leaps and bounds to the point where millions of dollars are being spent on the site on a monthly basis. Companies as diverse as Cisco Systems to Major League Baseball have made there presence known. Even universities like Stamford and John Hopkins are providing seminars on Second Life.

What makes this type of platform valuable for people with disabilities isa virtual access to major corporations which can lead to eventual jobs in the 'real' world. But by being using this accessible enviornment to conduct interviews, connect with business leaders TMP Worldwide is creating a new paradigm by which people with disabilities can gain access to the job market. Now, there are still a lot of hurdles to be overcome but this a huge leap foward in progress.

Politics & People with Disabilities

We are in the heart of the 2008 Presidential Race. With 2 contests in Iowa and New Hampshire complete the question I have is what are the issues on the table for disabled voters. Questions of healthcare, the economy are certainly at the top of the list. But what other hot button issues do voters with disabilities want to discuss but more importantly- WHAT CANDIDATE IS CATERING TO THE NEEDS OF DISABLED VOTERS.While the disabled community in many ways is still a fragmented community seperated by the type of disability or diagnosis there is still a shared understanding of the challenges & struggles of living with a disability as well as the barriers that are still rampant in this country that have discriminated against people with disabilities in the employment arena, the healthcare system, transportation that are really get to the core of one's own civil rights as a citizen in this country. There are shared expierences that build this community ( or one can see that connection) It is important that we as a community take that shared identity - even with the differences and bring that to the ballot box. So which candidate will truly stand up and stand out for the millions of disabled voters in America...I still this verdict is out on this one!