Module One

Diversity in Employment: Disability Awareness

 

ADAPTATIONS IN THE ENVIRONMENT

Even though disability doesn't define a person, it is a reality for many people. So, it may be helpful for us to distinguish an impairment from a disability. An impairment is the actual manifestation of a disability. For example, a person with a cognitive disability may process information more slowly; a person with a physical disability may not be able to use stairs. Focusing on the label does not help the situation--the goal is to minimize the impact of the impairment on people's lives. In order to minimize the impact, we must examine the interaction between people and the real world environments in which they live, work and play.

For many of us, our environments have been designed for the "typical user." For example, computer output is designed to be read, because the designers assumed that everyone using a computer could read. But what if you are blind and cannot see or have a cognitive disability and do not read?

What creates the problem--your disability or your environment as designed? When we think of disability we tend to think about it as being something in the person. The person "is blind," for example. But if the environment is designed to accommodate the individual and his/her disability, the impact of the impairment is minimized.

Let's explore some examples where a person with a disability is confronted with an environmental barrier of some sort and how removing or minimizing the barrier helps the individual to be more fully included in his/her community. Read each scenario below, and then select the answer you think best addresses the situation.

 

Scenario #1.

 

John would like to become involved in a church near his home. It is the denomination he grew up in and friends in his neighborhood also attend this church. John uses a wheelchair and the church is not accessible. Without access, John is excluded from becoming a participant in his church. What needs to change? a. John should find an accessible church in another neighborhood b. The church should install a ramp c. The church needs to assess its overall accessiblity, e.g. parking, entrances and services d. John needs to file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights

Scenario #2. 

 

Jerry was hired at a hospital within the medical supply department. One job duty of this position includes stocking supplies. Jerry has an intellectual disability and has difficulty reading labels.  Unfortunately, the bins used to store supplies are identified with written product labels.  During training for his new position his supervisor realized Jerry was unable to read labels and thus accurately sort supplies.  What are the options for Jerry and his supervisor? a. Look for a different position at the hospital b. Fire Jerry c. Provide tutoring to help Jerry learn to read d. Create picture labels for the bins

Scenario #3. 

 

Mike has recently returned to his job at a print shop. He had been in a bad accident and sustained a brain injury. He is regaining his job skills, but has a lot of difficulty talking. He had been very outgoing prior to his accident, but now keeps to himself during breaks and at lunch. He has not gotten involved with after work activities. His co-workers would like to offer encouragement, but are afraid they might say or do the wrong thing. What should they do? a. Co-workers should make the effort to sit down and talk & get used to communicating again b. Suggest Mike get help from a speech pathologist c. Co-workers end their friendship with Mike d. Give Mike more time to adjust- he'll get more involved when he is ready

 

The purpose of the above activity was to provide some real examples of how modifications to an individual's environment can minimize the impact of an impairment due to a disability. There is no formula for minimizing this impact, however, some questions to consider include:

• First of all, does a potential solution make sense for the individual (what works for one person may not work for another)?
• Does it support inclusion rather than exclusion of the individual?
• Have you tried to think of simple solutions first using common sense and creative thinking?

 

Watch the following video to hear Travis talk about accessible environments.

 

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