1 reply to this topic

[rilee101]

Hey everyone,

It has been awhile since I have been able to chat on here and hope everyone is doing well. I am working on my associates degree in business and for one of my classes I have to write a 15 page paper on something related to my field. I chose to write about people with disabilites in the working world for several reasons. First, I am kind of nervous once I graduate that employers will use my disability against me. Second, I live in a small town and there are not a lot of people with noticable disabilities working. Third, I think that its always a good thing to shed a positive light on the disabled community, to show able-bodied people that we are just like them; with the same wants, dreams, and goals. If you can offer any information that would assist me in completing this assignment it would be greatly apprieciated. I would love to hear some personal stories about work experiences, or if there are any employers out there I would love to hear from you too. I will keep your identies confidential, of course.

Thanks,
rilee101

Edited by rilee101, 28 October 2007 - 07:17 PM.

[HiltonP]

The most important point w.r.t. the disabled, employment, and employers is that the disabled person should get the job because they have the skills the company needs, not because the company feels sorry for them. If the basis of employment is social responsibility, pity, or guilt then both the disabled employee, and the employer, will be the losers in the long run, and a negative impression of both, by both, for both will be created.

There needs to be a responsibility on the part of the disabled person to obtain the necessary skills needed for employment.

There also needs to be a responsibility on the part of the employer to create a disabled friendly working environment (doors, ramps, toilets, etc).

If those two are in place then “disability” no longer plays a part. The disabled person is able to work, and the employer is able to utilise the disabled person’s skills. The relationship then is the same as for all the other employees in the company.