"When applying for jobs or training, I was called in to so many interviews yet wasn't successful because my communication is not good like other candidates - yet I had the relevant qualification." That was the experience of Refilwe Setlau (25), who was born with a hearing disability. This year, after struggling to find employment despite completing her N6 electrical engineering qualification, she finally obtained an apprenticeship as an auto electrician at Putco in February.
"Refilwe's story is not unusual, but in this international month for the deaf with the theme Equality for Deaf People, it's a story worth hearing," says Dr Jerry Gule, chairman of South African Employers for Disability (SAE4D), an employer organisation that is committed to addressing issues confronting the integration of people with disabilities in the workplace.
"Another issue is that employers may be concerned that employing a person with a disability may present a problem in terms of safety or communication for people with a hearing impairment. However, these concerns can usually be addressed relatively easily," he adds.
Refilwe, who uses a hearing aid and reads lips, admits that it sometimes becomes difficult to communicate with her co-workers. "But most of them can relate to my situation and help where they can. At times, I feel like giving up but I tell myself that there are so many disabled people out there who work very hard and they are able to succeed and fulfil their dreams. It is so challenging and difficult getting a learnership whether you are disabled or not so I am going to use this opportunity to the very best of my ability and I am going to give it all and make the best for my future.
"I think employers should give people with disabilities an opportunity to prove themselves. They should try and relate to their situation. I also observed that people with disabilities don't give up easily; they give their best in whatever they do and try hard to succeed, no matter the situation," she concludes.
