You take a look, in the first second, you form an opinion. This is human instinct. Most of the time it is wrong.
Admit it, you see a new person and make a judgement call on their potential or lack there of. This includes employers. They may read a resume, but when they actually see a person for the first time they quickly make a first impression in their mind if that person is a future employee or not. Granted, there are some great managers out there that put their brain in check at this moment. They want to ask the probing questions and see the potential versus doubting abilities on sight alone.
As unemployment stays high and unemployment benefits run out for many, employers are in a unique position to choose carefully their next employee. Be wise in these decisions by taking a few things into consideration.
As pointed out on the website Think Beyond The Label, “only 21 percent of disabled working-age Americans had a job in the past year – that’s compared to 59 percent of non-disabled Americans.” There are a lot of people out of work, but more of those are people with disabilities. Why is this important?
“Businesses have discovered some hidden benefits of hiring people with disabilities. “They have the most amount of loyalty to company and, in turn, save a lot of money in turnover costs,”" – Barrier Free Careers Any one of my employers would agree with this statement.
Another thing to take into consideration is what impact hiring a person with a disability can have on the economy. With so many more people claiming Social Security Disability (SSI), the government has to find ways to keep funds flowing. The Wall Street Post wrote: “The government should create incentives for employers to retain disabled workers on their payrolls as a way of slowing unsustainable increases in the number of people receiving Social Security disability benefits”
The more employed people with disabilities, the less money needed for SSI. Don’t forget there is a large population of people with disabilities that are veterans that have stood on the front lines for America, but now because of disability find it harder to get employed.
Last thing to consider is letting people know you want to hire people with disabilities. This same group of people will be more prone to shop and buy your products knowing you are ability friendly. Whatever minor costs, if any to modify a work environment, are tiny in comparison to the dedicated employees, economy supporting, and people friendly your company will be.
For those wanting to get employed, check out the same links above. Also, don’t give up hope. You have tons of potential, don’t be afraid to show it off. The right employer will find you.
Doubting Thomas is a great reference to anyone who is ready to toss in the towel, to not see the potential in the unseen. Faith is believing in something unseen. The lame and blind came to Jesus because they heard of the potential He had. Show your potential and have faith in others abilities. We all move forward when that happens.
