How to Work with People with Disability
Posted in Diversity & Inclusion
According to the United States Census Bureau, there are about 50 million individuals in the country who have some major or minor disability. Sixty-seven percent of them don't work, even if they can. Despite their motivation, skills, and knowledge, many of them don't work because of the barriers they have to confront.
On the other hand, many disabled people join the workforce, motivated to overcome or adapt to their disability and succeed. Once they begin to work, however, they often have to deal with the stigma and stereotypes oh having disability. So how should you work with a coworker with disability?
Acceptance
It is important that your disabled coworker feels that he or she is accepted by coworkers. This is crucial when your coworker is new to the job. The first days at work can be a very taxing experience for your coworker - concerns regarding acceptance by co-workers make his or her first days especially stressful. To help your coworker to settle in and to boost his or her confidence, you must show an accommodating environment and have a relaxed manner.
Feedback
You have to provide ongoing and regular feedback to your disabled coworker regarding performance and other behavior related to work. Constructive criticisms will give your coworker a clearer direction and increased level of confidence. This will ultimately make his or her settling in or adjustment phase more successful. In addition, giving feedback is an effective technique in minimizing stress experienced by your coworker.
Communication
In communicating with your disabled coworkers, you must treat them as individuals. Here are some things to consider when communicating with them: don't ask personal questions about their disability; refer to their disability only and only when appropriate and necessary; and be considerate when they take extra time to say or do something.
In addition, you have to be patient and polite when offering help, and make sure that your offer is accepted before lending a hand; speak and look directly to them; avoid patronizing or talking down to them; and don't pretend that you understand what they are saying if you really don't. Finally, never use terms that suggest disabled people are overly special, courageous, brave, or superhuman.
Social events
Encourage your coworkers with disability to take part in social events. But you have to make sure that the facilities are accessible to them. For instance, lifts or ramps are available instead of stairs only and noise levels are just right for your coworker who has hearing disability. Never assume that your disabled coworkers does not want or cannot participate in social events just because they have some kind of disability. Make adjustments to include everyone.
Disclosure of disability
Your coworker has the choice to disclose to you or to the organization information regarding his or her disability. If a coworker has told you, out of trust, about a disability, you should treat the personal information appropriately since it is usually very sensitive in nature. You should not share the information with other coworkers unless you are permitted to do so.
Overall, when working with a disabled coworker, it is important that you take into consideration his or her resources, skills and capabilities, strengths, and goals rather than focusing on their disability and what they can't do.
