IT Accessibility Review
Volume 1, Number 3
TecAccess Center Stage
Meet Jesse Evans
Jesse is the Business Development Manager for TecAccess and works closely with Debra Ruh, President and Founder. TecAccess attends professional conferences all over the world and talks to prospective clients about TecAccess´ corporate capabilities. When not traveling with TecAccess, Jesse focuses on administrative management to assist with operations and smooth workflow.
Jesse was born with spastic hemiparaesis, which causes the right side of his body to be weaker than the left side. He cannot lift or write with his right hand; consequently, he must do most tasks with his left hand.
"From the beginning I knew I was different, but I never let my disability prevent me from doing the things I want to accomplish in life," Jesse says.
Jesse´s disability did not prevent him from graduating from high school in Lawrenceville, Virginia, and then from Virginia State University in Petersburg. Following graduation from college, Jesse landed a position with a large Richmond company. He worked for over 25 years and eventually rose to the position of Transportation Manager. He directed the operations of the busy transportation department where he was responsible for shipping over $25,000 worth of merchandise daily.
"There were times when we loaded over fifteen tractor trailers at one time," Jesse explains. "It was stressful sometimes, but I enjoyed the challenge. I did my job without accommodation for my disability. My bosses trusted that I would get the job done, and they didn´t really focus on my disability."
All that changed in the mid-90´s when Jesse and others at the company, received layoff notices. Jesse searched for another position in his field, but he was unsuccessful at finding gainful employment.
"I flew all over the country, interviewing for positions," he recounts. "The job market was very tight then, and it was very competitive. Unfortunately, I was unable to find a position in transportation."
Jesse says his life changed when he stopped by a local employment agency to talk about finding a job. Debra Ruh was at the agency interviewing applicants for a variety of positions. Although Jesse did not have an appointment to speak with Debra, the employment agent suggested he go in and talk with her.
"I was very reticent about talking to Debra. I thought, ´What do I know about computers and technology?´" However, Debra told him that training would be available and offered him a position on the spot. She immediately spotted the skills that Jesse could transfer to TecAccess.
TecAccess immediately utilized his organizational and communication skills. Jesse is a gifted speaker and often gives sermons at church where he is deacon. This innate speaking ability makes him the ideal point of contact for clients working with TecAccess, and he is one of the key players in TecAccess´ phenomenal growth.
Jesse has taught youth swimming at the YMCA for over 25 years. He is an avid swimmer himself and says that exercise has increased his range of motion. "I am in better physical shape now than I was as a kid," Jesse jokes.
When asked what Jesse enjoys most about working at TecAccess, he replies, "I like to work for a company where I can make a living and also help others. I believe that God did not put us here for our own selfish reasons, but to love, share, and care for each other."
Jesse believes that TecAccess gives people with disabilities the chance to live independently and support themselves. He hopes that other companies will follow TecAccess´ lead so more people with disabilities can have the opportunity to reap the benefits of gainful employment.
"Throughout my life, I´ve learned that having a disability is not the end of the world, that I still have a future. My disability is mainly an inconvenience. Anyone with a disability can work if their employer gives them the accommodations they need."
