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James "Jamie" Protho: Finally Able to Realize His Full Potential in Work and Life
by Lee Hassinger
Lee Hassinger is an Associate Research Assistant for Bender Consulting Services, Inc.
Achieving success in today's job marketplace can be a challenge for anyone. Companies are demanding a more talented workforce. Employees are encouraged to go back to school to be trained, or retrained, in areas of expertise like never before. In this ever-changing environment of skilled workers, it is no surprise that it is a challenge for companies to find and keep loyal employees. But, there are loyal employees out there. Many of them are skilled IT professionals with disabilities. James "Jamie" Protho, is just such an employee. His is an extraordinary story of courage and determination to realize his personal and professional dreams while living with cerebral palsy. His disability is severe enough to require him to need assistance with eating, dressing, and virtually all aspects of his daily life including communication. Jamie uses an augmentative communication device to communicate. An augmentative communication device is a computer that speaks for an individual. Jamie uses his device with a mouth-held stylus.
Jamie is an Associate Systems Consultant for Bender Consulting Services, Inc. (Bender Consulting ) a Pittsburgh-based consulting firm that hires technology professionals with disabilities. Hired in October 2001, Jamie is a successful computer programmer working on assignment at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in Pittsburgh, PA. He came to Bender Consulting after obtaining his Masters degree in Rehabilitation Science and Technology from the University of Pittsburgh. "Competitive employment means earning a competitive salary that allows me to live on my own. Now I have the potential to earn levels of compensation that are bounded only by my efforts," said Jamie.
On top of this success, Jamie will receive the Prentke Romich Communication Technology Employment Award, a national award, sponsored by The United Cerebral Palsy Association of America. The award recognizes individuals who have achieved success in employment by using augmentative communication devices. Jamie will receive his award during the UCPA Annual Conference in Minneapolis, MN, April 25-27, 2002. "It is an honor to be chosen out of so many people who use augmentative communication," said Jamie.
Jamie has accomplished a great deal of success both professionally and personally. Jamie received a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, which is well known for its commitment to meeting the academic and personal needs of its students with disabilities. The school has a comprehensive program to help students with disabilities with activities of daily living, such as getting dressed, eating, notetaking and career counseling. This service extends to include wheelchair maintenance, and transportation to and from classes in inclement weather. "At Edinboro I felt like any other student because of the services that were provided to people with disabilities. I was able to do just about everything that people without disabilities do, because the staff took care of my personal needs." When asked to describe his most difficult tasks in school, Jamie said, "I remember doing homework. For other students the task took a couple of hours each evening. For me, it was an all-evening event," said Jamie. This was due to his dexterity and speech limitations. "I had to tell whomever was helping me what I wanted to say. They in turn wrote my answers," said Jamie. This was very frustrating for Jamie because he would have to repeat himself in order to be understood. This was also the case with taking tests. He would have to communicate his answers to the writer. If the writer did not understand Jamie, the process could take two or three times as long to finish an exam, even with the aid of an augmentative communication device.
During his Master's studies, the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh was also very supportive and accommodating. During his academic experience with the University of Pittsburgh, Jamie worked as a Research Assistant and was responsible for writing computer programs for the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center. In addition, he worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry as a web designer.
Loretta McLendon, Jamie's manager on-site at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, comments on the rewarding working relationship that she and the rest of the Highmark staff have with Jamie. "Working with Jamie has been very fulfilling for Highmark. I am glad to have Jamie as a part of my team. He has already been an asset and I look forward to more successes as he continues to be a contributing team member."
Joyce A. Bender, President and CEO of Bender Consulting Services, Inc. has a passion to help people with disabilities obtain competitive employment, as she herself has epilepsy and a hearing loss. She knows first-hand the challenges associated with people with disabilities gaining competitive employment. While the employment landscape for people with disabilities has improved, there is much work that needs to be done. "Many people who use augmentative communication are either unemployed or underemployed. Jamie's exemplary performance proves why the attitudinal barriers must come down - Jamie is an outstanding employee and an asset to Bender Consulting . I commend our partner, Highmark, Inc. for focusing on ability and setting the "high mark" for other companies," said Joyce.
"What both Bender Consulting Services, Inc. and Highmark are doing for me and others like me is wonderful. I finally have the job I've always wanted. It is an honor to be working for Bender Consulting Services, Inc. on assignment at one of Pittsburgh's most prestigious companies, Highmark. It is apparent that the commitment comes from the top and is something Bender Consulting Services, Inc. and Highmark truly believe in," said Jamie.
"Personally, having the job I always wanted means that I can travel by mass transit, live in my own apartment, buy groceries and afford the luxuries of life. It gives me a great sense of satisfaction to be more independent and not have to rely on others as much," said Jamie.
Hiring a person with a disability is beneficial to both the employer and the employee. Jamie exemplifies the true meaning of loyalty, commitment, and determination. He and other employees like him deserve a chance to shine in the workforce.
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