10 Things I Know About...Hiring people with disabilities
10) Find a great fit! And commit! Studies show with the right job and supports, employees with disabilities have equivalent job performance ratings as employees without disabilities.
9) Treat all employees with respect – and reap the benefits. Employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities are typically more loyal and reliable and have less turnover than their non-disabled peers.
8) Reflect the community in which you live and work. One third of American families include someone with a disability. This represents an expanding customer base to support companies with inclusive hiring.
7) Boost morale across your organization. People with disabilities add life to their workplaces. Coworkers and management report a higher level of job satisfaction when their team includes someone with a disability.
6) Expand your talent pool. By considering individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities, your pool of skilled, qualified candidates just got bigger.
5) Value diversity. Diverse teams lead to creative thinking, and creative thinking keeps you competitive.
4) Speaking of creative thinking… When necessary, job accommodations are usually cheap and easy, and they tend to foster creative thinking for your team that has long-term benefits.
3) Customers notice and reward inclusive practices. More than ever, public image is critical. Your customers and followers will remember your inclusive hiring practices for a long time to come. If they see you truly including employees with intellectual disabilities – and showcasing their work – they'll remember your brand.
2) Communication is key. Keep lines of communication open between your employee with disabilities, the rest of the team and your customers. Talk about challenges, opportunities and accommodations – and why a diverse workforce is a win for everyone.
1) Adopt a “people first” attitude. Remember, your new employee with intellectual and developmental disabilities isn't the human embodiment of their diagnosis – he or she is a motivated employee who wants to do well and contribute to the company's success. Presume competence and a strong work ethic – and that's what you'll get.
Maureen Gallagher is the executive director of the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress. Reach her at mgallagher@mdsc.org
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