I have been fortunate throughout my professional life to work where I felt I could have an impact. At a community college. With at-risk children. And now, at a center for people with disabilities.
Work becomes so much more meaningful -- and enjoyable -- when you see someone who has been told they can't do something, do it. I love being part of what has become a state-wide push to see people with disabilities gainfully employed.
Despite the good feelings that naturally come with this job, there are days when I still have to ask, "WTF?" Those are the days I encounter people with attitudes so medieval that I wonder how they function.
Recently, I contacted an acquaintance to inquire about openings in food service at the local hospital. First, let me say that this is a well-respected, professional woman. That view of her quickly changed when she remarked that the individuals I wanted to place there would be "eaten alive" by her employees.
In the words of John McEnroe, "You cannot be serious!"
Then, only a few days later, my colleague spoke to another employee at this hospital about hiring our employees. Her response was, "I need employees who can carry food trays."
Lady, we have people who drive tow motors! I'm sure a food tray can be easily managed.
Now, I might have expected to hear comments such as these in the dark ages of the 50s and 60s. Back then, individuals with disabilities were shut away from public view. In their homes or in institutions. It was assumed and accepted that they could never function in "normal" society, never hold a job, never live independently. Antiquated ideas we now know to be completely false.
So why do these supposedly educated people cling to antiquated stereotypes about people with disabilities? Is it fear? Ignorance? Prejudice? Hire one of our individuals and we'll help you overcome all of those issues!
Instead of clinging to a stereotype, you should see these people as productive, valuable members of the community. People with disabilities are often the best members of the workforce. Once in the right job, they are dedicated, loyal employees. They frequently offer to fill in when other employees take time off. And they stick around -- we have some individuals who have worked for the same employer for 10 years!
And they are willing to take the jobs that "typical" employees think they are too good to do..
This particular hospital has a high turnover rate in its janitorial and food service areas. Every time they train someone who then leaves, they lose money. Every time I see their help wanted ads, I think how we could fill those positions and help them save money.
Why not invest in an employee who will stick around? Then you might have enough money left to offer sensitivity training for your other employees -- who obviously need it!
