Heroic Measures

By Susan Ellen Holleran

Every year, AFSCME and the National Organization on Disability recognize AFSCME affiliates for their efforts to improve the lives of members with disabilities — inside or outside the workplace.

President McEntee presented this year's award to Phoenix Local 2960 Pres. Nancy Gray for the local's involvement in helping workers with learning disabilities. Like many disabilities, these are invisible. People can struggle with them throughout their lives and never know that help is available.

That was Rose Marie Leas' situation. She had been a city employee for 21 years, and her job was being phased out. Her supervisors, who had labeled her a "problem" worker, were not helping her transfer into a new position. As secretary of Local 2960, she went to her union for help.

A subsequent investigation led the union to suspect reading difficulties. A psychologist tested Leas and found she had dyslexia, a learning disability. "I had been pushed through school, and it was not caught," says Leas. And she never graduated. Her feelings of being "stupid" led to such severe depression that "I even considered doing away with myself." The diagnosis brought emotional relief.

Leas entered a private tutoring program where she found ways to work around her disability. "I learned to understand what I'm reading," she says, as well as to operate computers. "I got my GED [general education development] at age 45."

The program and the support Leas received from the union made a big difference in her life. She has been promoted into a more interesting job with much better pay. As she approaches retirement, she values the fact that the pay increase means a significantly larger pension.

Local 2960 has helped many members with learning disabilities participate in the same program. Classes are held during work hours, and Phoenix covers the cost. Workers who felt lost in dead-end jobs have moved up the ladder in city service. The union and the city are proud of the contribution they are making.

"I'm very grateful to AFSCME," says Leas. "Without the program, I wouldn't be here."