From Clayton Jacobs, Phoenix, AZ:

I would appreciate some assistance from readers in finding employment. Most jobs--in the Phoenix area, at least--can only be obtained through networking. Fortunately for sighted people, this is effective, but for those who are blind or have other disabilities, networking is inefficient because too few people actually know what we are able to do and, sadly, many employers are uneducated about how to deal with disabilities. Thus, we have hardly any chance to find employment.

I am angry with the attitudes of the National Federation of the Blind and American Council of the Blind. It's time that these advocacy groups stop battling over minor issues and focus on the complex flaws pertaining to the Americans with Disabilities Act, such as employers' ignorance.

I would like to discuss particularly the discrimination I have faced as a churchgoer, and bring it to the attention of other churchgoers. About a year ago, I was baptized and confirmed as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. My whole life turned around for the better.

The Church has a vocational rehabilitation program known as Desert Industries. I tried to apply, and was told that, because of my visual impairment, I could not obtain training. I have gone round and round this issue with my bishop. Next, I was interested in serving a full-time mission. I was excited. But my bishop told me that he had called someone in Salt Lake City and because of new "standards" I could not serve a mission. I asked about the standards. They told me that missionaries are judged by weight and health conditions, and those with a disability cannot participate. I declared this practice is discrimination. I would like some feedback from Ziegler readers on this troubling and complicated matter.