[Journalists] research progress/ discussion topic

[Kelly, Laura]

Ben,

Not sure if this is relevant to your research ... I spent most of my 20-year career as a sighted journalist. In fact, the last 10 years were intensely visual work -- features page design and film reviewing. About 3-4 years ago I informed my bosses in a letter that I was going blind do to a retinal dystrophy. In that time, they have personally tailored my job duties to meet my changing needs (for example, my eyesight has diminished enough that I can no longer handle page design work). And they have done so with great concern, compassion and also making sure in the transition that I maintain my senior status in the newsroom. (Of course, if they didn't, they'd have one feisty veteran journalist to contend with). 

Not 100 percent sure what you're reporting on, but it might be an interesting angle to talk to someone like my supervisor, who is working positively with an employee to help reshape work duties?      

-----Original Message-----
From: journalists-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:journalists-bounces at nfbnet.org]On Behalf Of Ben Hoff
Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2008 7:30 PM
To: journalists at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Journalists] research progress/ discussion topic


Hello from AZ,
   
    I have been vary busy the last several weeks.  The work I am doing is so enjoyable, I can hardly call it work.  Up to this point I have Conducted telephone interviews with  Cheryl Wade,  Graham Downie, and Liz Campbell.   I recieved an  EMail response from Jean Parker, and am waiting on two others.  One from Sardar Pirzada, and another from Gary Odonoghue.  Thanks to all of you.  Oh, and no, I did not forget about Allan Wheeler.  I will contact you soon, because the questions I would like to ask Mister Wheeler are some what different then the interviews I have completed so far.  
     I have written a great deal on my labor market research study,  and I am vary excited about my future in journalism.  
    When interviewing Cheryl Wade, she asked me a question that has gotten me thinking.  Her question was,  do I feel that it is productive to be required to complete a labor market research study, prior to my education being funded.  Or, is it just a nusence that takes up time and energy.  My first thaught was it takes up too much time when I would rather start school immediately.  After some reflection, and after doing my first real interviews, however, My oppinion has altered drastically.  This research paper has taught me a great deal about the field I'm attempting to enter into.  It is impairitive that one fully understands the entire goal and mission behind their profession, and all duties involved.  This project, I truly believe will make me apriciate every aspect of journalism.  I honestly think my task would have been much more difficult, (perhaps impossible)  if I had not located this  forum.
   
     I would like to submit a inquiry to the list at large.
     Have any of you, (journalist or otherwise)  been required to complete a labor market research study for vocational rehabilitation?  If so, How did you feel about it, and what were the results?
   
     I will be in California for the next week.  I will try to stay up to date, however having no access to Jaws out there this might be difficult.  I will catch up next week.  I can't wait to read all your responses.  
     Happy writing Everybody!
     Benjamin Allan Hoff

       
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