Ableism Awareness at the Workplaces

Everyone is differently abled. Ableism can exist in may forms. All the attitudes and actions that devalue someone base on their disability. How to close gap for people with disabilities? Unemployment is 2x higher for people with disabilities. Disability employment gap is huge. Studies have shown that companies who invest with people with disabilities have higher profits. Ableism can be as small as something like ‘ What is wrong with you?’ Or as big as lack of accessible public transportation that provides a disabled person a means to access work. There is plenty examples of ableism that can be small and interpersonal. Creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be their authentic self will just improve the productivity and efficiency of the processes at work. Hence, people will thrive at their work and just bring their best self. Disability is just other form of identity and creating environment where all people feel to belong is a workplace where everyone will thrive .From my point of view this is constant learning process, there will be always better way to be good ally to anybody who has disability. From the way we talk, towards our behavior in adopting to other people style in a way that it is best for them. Many leaders are still uncomfortable to lead this conversation, when they should be role models in the teams.

Here are some tangible tips how to close gap for people with disabilities:

1. Stop making assumptions - for example assuming that person without hand can’t type, or that blind person can’t be an engineer. You can say I am still learning, how to get better at how to be good advocate for people and how to close gaps.
2. Rethink about accessibility and workplace - there different forms of disabilities such as ADHD, chronic pain, hearing, mobility, and about 62% employees have hidden disability. Ergonomics assessment can be one example. And if organizations offer this proactively it will make employees feel welcomed and heard. Think about what employees need to thrive at work.
3. Embrace flexibility - people with disabilities with their work, working remotely can contribute hugely to society and it can impact positively on their mental wellbeing.

Besides, I love how Lori Nishiura Mackenzie shares impressive topics to think about such as the concept of covering. Such as affiliation, advocacy, association or appearance based. For example, appearance based covering, when individuals are covering their self presentation- to blend into the mainstream, for instance when Black women straighten her hair just to de-emphasize her race. To find more about check :[https://www.npr.org/2022/02/18/1081713756/disability-disabled-people-offensive-better-word](https://www.npr.org/2022/02/18/1081713756/disability-disabled-people-offensive-better-word)