National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2022: What You Need to Know

October 2022 is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which is led by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. The real spirit of NDEAM is found in the ways we honor and participate in securing employment opportunities for people with disabilities across the United States. The theme for 2022 is "Disability: Part of the Equity Equation."

“My disability is that I cannot use my legs. My handicap is your negative perception of that disability, and thus of me.” ~ Rick Hansen, CEO of Rick Hansen Foundation

Hiring Individuals with Disabilities: Employer Resources and Information

The need is great: labor participation rates for people with disabilities is 38%, compared to 74.6% for non-disabled people.

It is vital for all employers to access resources and knowledge about hiring more employees who have disabilities. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) offers a multitude of resources for employers on the recruitment, hiring, retention, accommodations, and career advancement of people with disabilities for organizations of all sizes, including small businesses.

Some employers may feel apprehensive about how to go about hiring a workforce with disabilities, fearing they may say or do something inappropriate or offensive, even inadvertently. "When you hire someone with a disability, it gives the person with a disability confidence and self-worth, but most importantly, it proves they are like everyone else." ~ Justin Farley, Founder of UNlimiters

Employees with disabilities often bring unique perspectives and skills to an opportunity that can offer great value, such as the ability to adapt to new situations and/or obstacles, resiliency, creativity, and determination.

All employers should do research and become familiar with relevant laws regarding hiring workers with disabilities. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) makes it clear interviewers may only ask about a person’s disability if the person has an ‘obvious and visible impairment’ as it pertains to the job in question. Further, if a visible impairment is present, potential employers may only ask about a person’s abilities to perform the job in regards to what accommodations he/she needs to be as successful as possible in the position.

Asking about what job modifications would be helpful to a candidate with a disability demonstrates a proactive approach to their future success and removes the stress, from the candidate’s perspective, that what they need won’t be made available by the prospective employer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even employers with good intentions can make inadvertent mistakes when hiring candidates with disabilities.

By far the most common mistake is focusing more on a candidate’s disability than their abilities. It’s crucial that employers ask all candidates the same questions related to their qualifications as they pertain to the job requirements, including those with a disability.

If the best candidate for the position happens to be someone with a disability, avoid treating the new hire differently. Special treatment is neither needed nor wanted. An employee’s disability is also not a reason to withhold or sugarcoat constructive feedback or areas in need of improvement. Additionally, when recruiting for roles, it’s not necessary for the positions to be marketed as “jobs for disabled people.” Creating equality in the workplace starts from the beginning of the hiring process.

“The only disability is when people cannot see human potential.”
~ Debra Ruh, CEO Ruh Global Communications

ENEMEEZⓇ and Employment

For those with disabilities, bowel management can often be a challenge that can create obstacles in day-to-day life, including maintaining comfort in the workplace. A bowel management program is essential to being able to get through the workday without fear of accidents or discomfort.

Mini-enemas, like ENEMEEZ®, can be a gentle, effective way to produce a fast bowel movement. ENEMEEZ® mini-enemas lubricate and soften stool, as well as draw moisture from the surrounding tissues into the stool to stimulate evacuation. ENEMEEZ® can help those with disabilities maintain the freedom to work while reducing the risk of discomfort, illness, or accidents associated with bowel issues.

In fact, our 2022 Consumer Survey² reveals that ENEMEEZ® customers are so satisfied with the quality of life our products help provide that over two-thirds of participants have been using ENEMEEZ® Mini Enemas at a minimum of two to three times per week for over five years.

Employer Resources

The Office of Employment Disability Policy offers several initiatives to assist employers with hiring individuals with disabilities, including:

Join the Thrive Community!

Join our safe space for inspiring individuals with disabilities in our very own Thrive Community! The Thrive Community Facebook Group is a private space for any person with a disability, as well as caregivers and healthcare providers that touch their lives. Our purpose is to provide a safe, educational space for group members to ask every question, connect with their peers, and empower each other through communication and connection. Our conversations are led by incredible individuals who themselves are living and thriving. For more enlightening resources, information, and discussion, join the Enemeez® Thrive Community today!

Disclaimer: The material contained is for reference purposes only. Quest Products, LLC does not assume responsibility for patient care. Consult a physician prior to use. Copyright 2022 Quest Products, LLC.

Sources: