An Able Disabled Officer - Bennet HA |
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Bennet, being visually impaired, lives in a world of darkness. This however did not stop him from completing his studies in History and Economics at the university. Soon after graduation, Bennet joined the Executive Grade in 1980. "I wanted to join the grade because I thought EO duties were diversified and some of them might be suitable for me," Bennet explained.
This turned out to be true. His first posting was to the then Staff Management and Discipline Division of the Civil Service Branch (SMDD/CSB) where he processed applications for acceptance of advantages and for permission to undertake outside work. He had no difficulty in settling down and in about two weeks' time, he mastered his job just like any other able-bodied colleagues. "This was partly attributable to the simple set up of the office which comprised four persons only. My colleagues' understanding, their support and my supervisors' open-mindedness were also very helpful," said Bennet. Although Bennet had to rely on an Optacon (a scanning device) in reading ordinary prints, his other strengths such as being able to grasp the main ideas quickly, enabled him to catch up with his work schedule. When asked whether the office location would be a critical consideration for posting arrangements, Bennet said, "Not at all! I have been used to going out alone since Form 1. It will be fine as long as the office is along the MTR or KCR lines. In fact, I can remember the route after one or two prior visits to the new office with a sighted guide." During the interview, we noticed that Bennet could walk around the office without aid. "For day-to-day work, extra assistance required from my colleagues is only minimal," said Bennet confidently. Bennet was satisfied with the technical aids provided to him. When he first joined SMDD, his colleagues had acquired a tape recorder for him before he reported for duty. "I was really moved by their thoughtfulness," Bennet expressed his whole-hearted appreciation. By now, Bennet had already been provided with different types of tools and equipment to facilitate his work. Although the procurements had taken some time, he understood that all government purchases had to go through relatively lengthy procedures.
"I am not without limitations," Bennet admitted frankly. "For example, administrative duties are more suitable for me than organisation of functions." Bennet's experience was generally HRM-related but he found his experience with IT in the then Civil Service Training Centre (CSTC) and in the Housing Section most interesting. This was partly attributable to his overseas training. In 1990, Bennet was sponsored by the Government to pursue a one-year Master of Science degree programme in Business Information Technology Systems at the University of Strathclyde in UK. "I have no difficulty in settling down in a foreign country," said Bennet. "Thanks to my wife who assisted me in familiarizing with the route between the hostel and the lecture halls when we first arrived there. Although I had to take a bus, I attended classes on my own. No particular assistance was required from the university except that longer sessions were allowed for my examinations. I was also offered a separate room for the examinations so that the noise generated by my reading device would not become a nuisance to other candidates." Bennet enjoyed his school life. He was also glad that he could apply what he had learnt afterwards. Soon after he returned from his overseas training, he was posted to the then CSTC and then the Housing Section of CSB to take up two IT related projects. In CSTC, he conducted a survey on EO colleagues' computer literacy and designed a computer programme to facilitate his analysis. In the Housing Section of CSB, he worked with ITSD to develop a computerized system to hold all the information on civil service housing benefits and check the eligibility of applicants. "Through coordinating the user requirements and discussion with ITSD staff, I learnt a lot about IT. Most important of all, I was able to apply what I had learnt during my overseas training." Bennet said. Having worked in the civil service for 17 years, Bennet felt that the overall understanding and acceptance of disabled persons by civil service colleagues had increased. However, he knew that many officers were still hesitant in accepting disabled officers under their charge. He hoped that colleagues' acceptance of disabled officers would not remain at the cognitive level but could be put into practice. What Other Colleagues Said We have also talked to some colleagues who have worked with Bennet. Let's hear what they said about him: "I worked with Benny when we were in the then Civil Service Training Centre. Till now, I am deeply impressed by Benny's positive working attitude. He was hardworking and dedicated to the project which he had to complete within a tight time frame. He did complete the project effectively and independently. " Stephen Wu, CEO "Bennet is a confident and outspoken person who produces good output both in terms of quality and quantity. He is no different from other colleagues despite the fact that he has to rely on an optacon in reading documents. In fact, I find him particularly 'sensitive'in the sense that he is meticulous and quick in getting to the crux of the matter. Occasionally, I have to exercise some form of care in our day-to-day contact, such as guiding him to places where he is not so familiar with or going to his office to discuss matters with him. However, I think we do the same with other officers as well. All along, I treat him like any other able-bodied officers and we have established between us respect, trust and a harmonious working relationship. The result is rewarding." Allan KWONG, CEO "Bennet is decisive, responsive and has a very good memory. He is particularly good at computer work and has once taken the initiative in designing a computer programme recording details of candidates in a recruitment exercise. Indeed, we have to be observant at times, for example, we have to avoid any long moment of silence during a conversation so that Bennet knows that we are still around. This is not a problem at all, after all, to be sensitive to other's needs and to be supportive are essential to good interpersonal relationship. Do you agree?" WONG Kai-kwong, EO I |
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