One of the reasons that the federal Americans with Disabilities Act has not resulted in a better employment outcome for persons with disabilities is that expectations of persons with disabilities are so very low. Sometimes these low expectations come from the employer, sometimes from the employee, and sometimes even from diversity professionals.
On a number of occasions, when talking with human resource professionals about hiring persons wtih disabilities, the question that gets asked is, "We are a -- -- -- (fill in with any industry you like). What could we hire a person with disabilities to do here?" Low expectations!
Of course, that's the wrong question. Nobody hires because of a disability. It wouldn't make sense for any employer to focus on hiring disability. What the employer should do is look for the talent that can do the job that they need done and just not discriminate against persons with disabilities in that search. I know persons with disabilities who are doctors, lawyers, college professors, debt collectors, clerical staff, kitchen help, etc. Clearly the person who's unaware of what a person with disability can do has very low expectations. Such a person should raise his or her expectations, hire a person for his or her ability and, if there is a disability, accommodate that disability.
Some of the least successful job candidates are hampered by the same view. When counseling job seekers, I regularly ask what type of job they're seeking. I'm usually looking for a statement about goals and abilities. Sometimes, however, I get a response like, "Whatever kind of job I can get with my disability." Low expectations!
Again, the emphasis is on the wrong thing. I try to explain that nobody is going to hire the disability. Businesses are in business to make money. They will give to charity, but that has nothing to do with their hiring practices. I remind these job seekers that they need to focus on selling their skills and abilities. Any employer can accommodate a disability, but they want to hire ability.
I attended a diversity forum. The panelists were all seasoned professionals, experts in their field. Not one of the experts addressed the issue of persons with disabilities. During the question-and-answer period, I asked what their plan was for including this population. Their only response was to create call centers. That's right, they thought the answer was to create jobs for persons with disabilities. In my usual shy way, I continued to press the issue, asking what they would do about a job candidate who had skills and experience and was professional. The only response they could think of was to arrange a way for that person to work from home. Low expectations.
If even diversity professionals don't get it, what chance do we have?
Annette Bourbonniere
401-846-1960
Fax: 401-846-1944
Twitter: @AccessInclude
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