Employment Website for Iran's Disabled

An Iranian website nahantavan.ir (hidden potential in Persian) has been launched with the goal of helping the physically challenged to find work. The website enables the physically handicapped to apply for positions not previously open to them in what could be the beginning of affirmative action by the private sector that has long been averse to  hiring people with disabilities.It also plans to provide those with disabilities the opportunity to present their skills to prospective employers, local tech website webna.ir reported on February 26.The website is owned by a private non-profit organization of the same name. The goal is to promote the contribution of the disabled to the socioeconomic development and enable them to earn a living wage instead of relying on charity. The website is free to use for both job-seekers and employers. A large number of Iranian men were maimed and disable during the 1980-88 Iraq-Iran war in which a million people died on both sides.  Many of the disabled were later hired by government organizations, charity foundations and ministries but few if any by the private companies.