A personal and systemic issue that affects the industry and economy is discrimination on employment grounds of workers with disabilities. The bias of neglect on which disabled workers are based not only attacks individual dignity but also affects economic performance indirectly by barring those who are disabled from work opportunities.
Looking at my own life, I extend that I have succeeded in hitting the challenging parts of the road when it comes to getting the job I want because of my disability. This bias usually clothes itself in an aura of taking too much care and starts with some people assuming that my capacity to perform is limited. In contrast, others disbelieve that I can be productive in a prospective workplace. Accordingly, such interactions infringe on my dignity of being deprived of prosperous career options and financial freedom, which is a common sentiment in the disabled community.
The effect of such discrimination is not only for a single individual; it also has a broader impact. The sidelining of gifted, competent individuals, mainly due to prejudices, organizes communities to withhold from the uniqueness that diverse perspectives could bring them the desired innovations and growth. Besides, the economic income is less significantly lost with a large share of potential workers underemployed or unemployed because it is not able to fulfill its mission, which is high productivity, or it does not have alternative resources but to use social welfare programs.
To deal with it, focusing on more encompassing employment practices is crucial. While determining the apt ones, the attention should be on the skill and potential of the candidate rather than their bodies. Introducing appropriate practices intended to decrease discrimination and pay attention to disability rights can also encourage your workplace to become a more integrated environment. Through actions that address discriminatory practices, we will be activating the talents of all people, thus making our economy more varied and balanced.
