Event Recap: Diversability Unplugged: Disability and Ableism in the Workplace
By Katherine Lewis, Content Manager at Diversability
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. As part of our advocacy effort, we hosted a feature Unplugged event highlighting the topic of ableism in the workplace. We were joined by a panelist of experts for the evening’s event, to include:
Ryan Honick (he/him), Internal Communication Manager at USPTO
Angela Fowler (she/her), Accessibility Specialist at Ad Hoc
Lusik Gasparyan (she/her), Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant
Jacob Levy (he/him), Career Coach and Special Educator
Conversation moderated by Arielle Dance, PhD, Diversability
Discussion Overview
Panelists shared their personal employment experiences and highlighted how their disability impacted that journey. Their histories vary widely, giving a perspective into the vast expanse of career opportunities for disabled professionals. Each one of them has paved their way, often creating a space for themselves where there was none before. Panelists quickly reminded us that although they have found their way, the journey was riddled with obstacles - namely ableism and bias.
As disabled employees, there is almost always the need for accommodation. This is because the world is inherently inaccessible. As Angela reminded us “Accommodation is what happens when access fails.” The goal is simple: level the playing field for disabled employees so we can accomplish the job the same as everyone else. But acquiring the necessary accommodations to do so is often complex and lacks support of organizational leaders. Even as the desire to accommodate access needs increases, assumptions about the disability experience and the bias that accompanies them continue to prevent real progress. Our panelists’ solution is simple: take the time to get educated, listen to and engage in active conversation with disabled employees, and act based on the information given by them. Nothing more, nothing less.
Engaging in conversation about disability at work also comes with its own issues. In order to open the topic of accommodation and access, employees have the burden to disclose their disability. It can be a difficult thing to do, especially for those living with nonvisible disabilities. In fact, Ryan pointed out a staggering statistic from a recent Disability:IN survey that found “only 4% of the disabled workforce is “out” at work” despite the fact that over 20% of people live with a disability. So the question becomes why are more people not disclosing disability at work? The answer is not clear, but panelists suggested it is likely fear about how disclosure may affect hiring, upward mobility, retaliation, and morale.
The evening concluded with panelists answering questions from attendees.
Key Takeaways
There are opportunities out there! The panelists reminded us that while finding any retaining employment as a disabled person comes with challenges, there is a growing pool of creative avenues for making your way as a professional.
Ableism is a real barrier. As Jacob reminded us, “Ableism and bias are alive and well [in the workplace].” Accommodations and the process of acquiring them are often not well understood by organizational leaders. There’s a growing desire to have them built into employee onboarding, but the progress is slow and assumptions abound.
Misunderstanding of the disability experience is universal. In the quest for accessibility and accommodation in the workplace continues, often the biggest barrier is a lack of understanding of the disability experience unique to each person.
Design is integral to the future of disability employment. Workplace accommodations are required because the world is inaccessible. Designing spaces, products and services that are accessible will eradicate the need for employers and individuals to navigate the accommodations process altogether. Accessibility is the answer!
Watch the recap below!