the launching of a new scheme to aid people with mental and physical disabilities get jobs.

Job Opportunity Bermuda (JOB) is a free employment agency for the thousands of disabled people living in Bermuda.

It also offers counselling and helps clients gain the skills needed for the jobs they apply for.

JOB's first step is to encourage employers to hire disabled people by clearing up myths about them.

One of the most common myths is that someone in a wheelchair is also mentally disabled, according to Specialist Employment Officer Mrs. Naz Farrow, who runs the agency.

"The biggest hurdle for disabled people in trying to find work is this negative stereotype that they are not capable or productive,'' she said.

The creation of the agency was yesterday welcomed by senior industrial therapist at St. Brendan's, Dr. Angela Mocklow.

"It will significantly reduce the number of people who have to return for treatment or be readmitted,'' she said. "The support and praise they receive on the job will keep them well.'' Last month Dr. Richard Lament, chief of psychiatry at St. Brendan's, announced the hospital was suffering in the recession and might have to ask relatives of patients to help pay for treatment.

He also complained Bermuda was lagging behind other countries when it came to resettling patients into the community.

According to a Government survey, between eight and ten percent of the population was disabled.

Since JOB was set up in September, Mrs. Farrow has met with 22 employers to explain what jobs disabled people can perform.

Mrs. Farrow said employers had generally been receptive to the idea of hiring disabled people. But there were a few that were set in their ways, she said.

She also discovered there were a number of big companies with good records of hiring disabled people such as Four Star Pizza, Miles Market and Pitt and Company.

Mrs. Farrow noted the recent amendments to the Human Rights Act would be a big help to the agency. Under the changed Act, disabled people should not be disqualified for employment by reason of their disability if it is possible for the employer "without unreasonable hardship'' to accommodate them.

Disabled workers are generally hardworking, take less sick days than workers with no disabilities and are more loyal, she said. It is not true disabled workers' productivity is lower than non-disabled employees.

She added most disabled people require only minor adjustments to accommodate at work, such as the raising of a chair or purchase of an inexpensive phone amplifier.

JOB, a registered charity, was founded by the Production Workshop Committee chaired by the Premier's wife Lady Swan.

It is hoped that in two years Government will completely take over the funding of the agency, located in the Old Fire Station Building on the corner of Court and Front Streets.

JOB HUNTING -- Specialist Employment Officer Mrs. Naz Farrow (far left) and Lady Swan help Mr. Wendell Talbot and Mr. Eric Smith fill out job applications at the launching of a new scheme to help the Island's disabled find employment.