There are many myths out there limiting the perception of people with disabilities and employment. We want you to know and understand the facts to dispel those myths and empower your employment goals. Below are five common myths about persons with disability and employment. With each myth are the facts to help you understand why employing persons with disabilities is beneficial to any business.
Common Myths about Employment and Disabilities
Fact 1.
A study done by Dupont finds that employees with disabilities rated higher or better than person without disabilities for absenteeism. People with disabilities want to make a difference in their workplace and are loyal, dedicated, motivated workers that can add value to a company organization both financially and culturally.
Fact 2.
Reasonable Accommodations for persons with disabilities are not a huge additional expense to a business. In fact, in most cases reasonable accommodations cost $500 dollars or less. The best way to understand what accommodations may be needed for hiring a person with a disability is by having a conversation with your new hire.
People with disabilities understand what they need to do their job in the workplace want to work with their employers to find the right accommodations. Also, they might already have available resources to tap into to help with workplace assistive technology through community resources.
There are Tax Credits and subsidies available to employers who hire inclusively. Additionally, inclusive hiring adds value to your name in the community – because people with disabilities, their family, and friends have money to spend at your business which can be a return on your investment.
Fact 3.
People with disabilities want to live their lives as everyone else in our community. They want to be able to do as they please with the choices they make in their lives. They are not looking for a pity party or extra emphasis on what they accomplish in their life as a direct correlation to their disability. It is simple, people with disabilities want to be treated fairly, equally, and with dignity like any other person/human being.
Fact 4.
People with disabilities are individuals with hopes, dreams, goals, hobbies, likes/dislikes and so much more. Having a disability does not entirely define who a person is, it is simply a component of what they adjust to in their everyday living. Just like everyone else in our communities, they want to work, be involved in a social and recreational activities, make a difference in the community, get a good education, and enjoy family and friends.
Fact 5.
People with disabilities are just as likely to be ill as people without disabilities are – not everyone can be 100% healthy 100% of the time. People with disabilities typically do not experience pain related to their disability.
Changing mindsets can start with you as a job seeker or an employer.
While these are the most common myths about persons with disabilities and employment, they are not the only ones employers and job seekers have encountered. We encourage you to check out the more in-depth Fact Sheets from:
Learn more about the benefits of inclusive hiring
An inclusive workforce is a stronger workforce. If you would like to learn more about the benefits, tax credits, and other resources that are available to you as an employer or as a job seeker, connect with us today.