From Collaborating Inclusion...

Collaborating Inclusion said...
I think that disability is not the "hot topic" in diversity. I also think that there is fear and misconception about disability. People with disabilities in the workforce require minimal accommodations which is $500 or less. The disability community is very loyal, low turnover rate, and less absenteeism than people without disabilities. Just think if we as adults do not want to discuss the topic of disabilities just imagine how children feel who have disabilities. Is our society really inclusive?
November 25, 2009 10:35 AM

Dear CI,
I agree wholeheartedly! And I for one will be thrilled when we move beyond "hot topics" and diversity flavors of the month. As suggested in my post re: "Dissing the Disabled," the science of diversity management is not as comprehensive as it should be;and neither are its practitioners. Persons with disability are encompassed in all of the diverse groups we focus on when discussing race, ethnicity, gender and age, etc. but we continue to put them in a separate category as if mainstreaming their needs and interests into our discussions is inappropriate. However, persons with disabilities are also going to have to bear some of the accountability for insisting that they not be pushed to the side. When practitioners and companies discuss the semi-safe topics of race, ethnicity, gender and age, persons with disabilities must demand to be included in said discussions and decision-making strategies.

Persons with disabilities have much to offer any workplace; and accommodating them costs nowhere near as much as many companies are quick to offer others in terms of laptops, cell phones, health club memberships, etc. Unfortunately, there remain numerous diversity-related topics we still do not want to discuss. Disability, sexuality, religion and socio-economic status are at the top of the list. Our society is not really inclusive and too often because we talk around what we perceive to be safe diversity issues, there exists the illusion of inclusion. The presence of diversity does not automatically mean the existence of inclusion. Our nation exemplifies this reality. But don't despair. Keep asking the questions and broadening viewpoints and discussions. It's fighting the good fight.

Inclusively yours,
Di Versity