Here’s why we should employ disabled people

Finding employment can be a challenge for most people, and if you have a disability this can be made even more difficult! Scope’s campaign #WorkWithMe, which is in collaboration with Virgin Media, has been about highlighting that disabled people are twice as likely to be unemployed when compared to non-disabled people and that this simply cannot carry on! They encourage employers to make a pledge and demonstrate their commitment to thinking and acting differently about disability in the workplace.

The Facts

Thinking and acting differently is a very positive start. With 7.5 million disabled people of working age, that’s a lot of talent that is potentially being wasted if employers aren’t giving us a chance. I think employers can potentially fall into the trap of employing disabled people to meet a quota of diversity, which this can lead to a lack of support and still only being seen as a disabled employee and not as a capable individual. Aside from the fact we are a valid part of society and should be seen as more than the disability that we have, we may actually bring more to a team than you think.

Having a disability doesn’t mean you don’t want to be employed, it doesn’t mean you’re incapable of having a job. Yet people can apply for jobs and not disclose their disability because of fear of discrimination. We are hiding an aspect of ourselves that should be seen as a difference rather than a disadvantage. I’m aware my disability can pose limitations yet I would only apply for a role I knew I was capable of, employers should have that trust.

Our Outlook on Life

Disabled people often have a unique outlook on life. We will have a perspective that may not overlap with other employees and I believe this should be seen as an asset. It seems foolish to waste talent, perceptive and a capable employee because they have a disability.

We often have to work hard to keep up and are no stranger of defeat. This might sound like a negative, yet failure and hardships can lead to a hardworking person who won’t give up when things get tough. Our experiences make us more rounded and often capable to thrive when faced with a challenge.

Organisation

Organisation is key for any role and I believe disabled people will have this down to a fine art. Have you tried juggling unreliable health needs and functioning in this world? We understand the importance of prioritising and know our own limits when it comes to tasks. It is this self-awareness that makes us invaluable employees.

We can determine what is most important within a workload and organise our time efficiently. We’ve had a lot of practice organising our health needs and appointments, so doing this independently is something we are capable of.

Problem Solving

Let’s not forget about excellent problem solving skills! Our lives revolve around trying to be part of a world that isn’t actually designed for us. We are often an afterthought when it comes to access and being able to think outside of the box is what gets us through everyday life. Why cannot this lifelong ability be utilised within the workplace?

We may have to go the long way in life (mainly to get to those all important accessible entrances!) but we always find that solution. I believe that this is something that could be transfered into employment. I’m not suggesting we become the go to person when a problem occurs, but we could have something to offer.

Communication Skills

We have to communicate our needs to people who might have no prior knowledge of our disability. Unfortunately, we may have to stand up for what we know to be right when we are not taken seriously in order for our needs to be met. It is these communication skills which enable us to be an excellent employee who is able to work as part of a team to accomplish an end goal.

Having a disability can mean you get a lot of questions. These can come from adults, children, friends or strangers. We interact with a range of people and have to adapt how we describe things. I know for a fact I would explain cerebral palsy differently to my 4-year-old sister, then I would at a conference to health professionals. By the same token, this has given me the ability to communicate effectively in the workplace.

So, now what?

I urge employers to give us a chance, do not to pity us or see it as favour to be offering us employment. We are 7.5 million people who should be entitled to contribute to society. Our voice is loud and we won’t be silenced until disabled people are given fair opportunities within employment. Disabled people make great employees and it’s time things changed.

~ Chloe x