Takeaways from Beyond Labels: Redefining Ability in the Workplace

Advocacy News – February 8, 2024

What happened? On Wednesday, Feb. 7 the Michigan Chamber kicked off its 2024 DE&I Series with former TV anchor and radio host Stephen Clark moderating a discussion on disability in the workforce with Teri Langley of the Disability Network of Michigan. Several points brought new perspectives and strategies to build inclusivity and tap this too often hidden talent pool into the workforce:

1. Include those with disabilities in the conversation. A disability can be both visible and invisible and it’s up to us all to help foster dialogue.
2. Create a physically and psychologically safe workspace. Langley shared that “only 39% of employees with disabilities disclose those disabilities,” which could be due to stereotypes or assumptions. Be open as a business to what inclusivity means and how you’re going to encourage each employee to bring their whole selves to work.
3. Ask how people prefer to be identified. Some people will identify directly with their disabilities, and others may not. When in doubt, it’s OK to ask.
4. Accessibility starts with job posts and company websites. Does your job posting include physical requirements for a role? Does your business description include accessibility features, like elevators? Is your website’s visual and audio content accessible? These are just some of the questions your business can ask to prepare or revise resources.
5. Model stepping into the topic of disability as a manager. Since many disabilities are invisible, acknowledging the topic of disability can provide employees the opportunity to open up. As Langley urged, “when you don’t know about a world, you can’t create the space or make adjustments or accomodations.”

Go deeper: Find the recording below, or more DE&I events on our YouTube channel.

If you found this information important, or you’re interested in learning more about how the Disability Network of Michigan can assist with legally recruiting employees in this space, please join us at our MiBiz360: Talent & HR Summit to hear from the Disability Network in their special session: Individuals with Disabilities: Encouraged to Apply. SHRM and HRCI credits available for this session and more! Sign up today at www.michamber.com/mibiz360.