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October 2008
Abacus Recruitment - Putting its money where its mouth is regarding disabled people IT-focused recruitment company, Abacus Recruitment, which formed a division to place disabled people during the first quarter of 2007, is putting its money where its mouth is by employing its own disabled staff members – including a blind employee. Karen Geldenhuys, MD of Abacus Recruitment, said the company had now placed more than 40 disabled people, recently employing two disabled staff members itself. One of the new staff members, Johan van Zyl – who is blind – comes to work with his Labrador guide dog - Weleda. “She never leaves his side,” said Geldenhuys. “While Johan is working, she lies under his desk. She doesn’t move. She only gets up when she is taken for a walk. There is no reason whatsoever why companies cannot employ disabled people – especially if you find the right task or position for them to perform.” “Johan is an asset to our company and I believe it is important for us to show our clients that employing disabled people can work. Many are highly skilled – and their skills are needed.” Johan said he finds the work environment at Abacus Recruitment “invigorating”. “I am treated the same here. I do my job, just like anyone else – and I am treated the same, except that people are aware that I am blind. My dog, Weleda, is quite a firm favourite with the staff here. And she doesn’t interfere in the work environment. It is really a pity there is a perception out there that disabled people are a liability in the workplace. They can add a lot of value. We have a skills shortage in this country and there are lots of disabled people out there with the right skills – who can deliver on their skills.” Photograph: Johan van Zyl & Weleda
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