Human resource departments usually would say that this field is not for disabilities employment. Most often than not, they would say things like, “how can she work efficiently when she can’t even walk properly” or “she would slow us down since she’s in a wheelchair”.
Disabled job lookers undergo the same typical job application process where there are different stages before someone could be hired. The interview process is the first stage. It is in this stage that questions are thrown to the applicant, whether they are personal or professional questions. It is but proper and mandatory that in this stage, concerns about the obvious situation should be asked to lessen prejudice. Questions like, “Can you do the job? Will there be any hindrance towards accomplishing the work needed to be done?” These are just few of the questions that would help the disabled job seeker be at ease. Now, the question is, are these enough? Is there no other way? There is another way. The differently able people would be able to get a job, and that is through disability employment.
What does it mean when we say disabled employment? These are actually jobs made specifically for disabled people. These jobs are categorized according to the disabilities. People who can’t walk properly or are in wheelchairs can function as call center agents or secretaries. In these jobs, they only need their eyes, ears, hands, and mouths to be fully functioning. For people who are mute, they can also function as secretaries like answering emails or even writing letters or reports. What’s interesting about some disabled persons is that they know how to lip read, so it’s no problem for them when it comes to communicating.
However though, it is still limited to certain disabilities, as it’s just applicable to those who could still function even though they are lacking one aspect. Disabled jobs though for disabled people does not mean that the criteria of work accomplished is minor compared to that of normal people, but these disabled employees still work the same way, accomplish the same things, but do them differently. Interesting, right? Indeed.
Disability employment is not only limited to what has been mentioned above. Certain websites also offer disabled careers. One of these is online article writing, where they do not need to go outside the comfort of their own homes. They’ll just sit down, think and type. Being a medical transcriptionist is also one. They only need to undergo training and then voila! They work in their homes with the convenience of an internet connection. Teaching is also a disabled career. Why so? It’s not a hindrance if your legs have been affected by polio as you can use walking canes. You can go about doing what a teacher does and that is to teach. The same goes with operating AutoCAD. A person who has the knowledge can do this. You just sit down and manipulate the computer software.
Differently able employees are just the same with other employees, they just lack some physical aspects that are typically needed in employment, but overall they may be disabled but are still able work normally.
Now, if you’re asked if it’s just fine to ask “Did you hear that…”to a deaf co-employee? Or shall I offer to push my direct supervisor’s wheelchair? Or should I open the door for a person with only one leg? Or how do I describe a product to a person who is visually impaired? Yes, it’s just fine as long as it’s not offending to hear for they might misunderstand it. But nevertheless, disabled employees are already aware of their situation and therefore usually understand. There should still always be awareness and sensitivity in their disability employment.
So, what is really the big deal if a disabled person looks for a job and does not get hired? It is actually the mentality of employers. They underestimate these job seekers not knowing that some of them work more efficiently compared to the other category. Some of whom are very talented for they have practiced doing things and mastering the use of what they possess. Hence, it’s time that aside from regular employees, disabled job seekers should also be given a chance to show what they are capable of doing.
To understand more of this topic and find more job related listings on this work, you can visit us at DisabilityCrossing.com. Sign up for a risk-free trial now.
