Opportunities for Disabled in the Workplace

Specific Purpose: To Persuade others to understand, contribute to, and assist people with disabilities in order for them to be successful in the competitive workplace in their communities.

Central Idea/Thesis: We can put an end to the stigmas that distance people from others of mental and physical disabilities by expanding their job opportunities through supportive employment agencies, The American Disabilities Act (ADA), and other community programs.

I. Introduction:

Everyone, every day, gives and faces criticism, and we often judge based on what we see.

The way we see individuals with disabilities needs to change, we often criticize them, by defining them as unable to achieve, unable to progress, or even sustain a position in the workplace.

As Disability Awareness month has just passed in October, I dedicate this speech to our disabled community, and today I am going to talk to you about how together we can continue to strive towards the engagement of our disabled community in the workplace. I believe that together, can put an end to the stigmas that distance people from others with mental and physical disabilities by expanding their job opportunities through supportive employment agencies, The American Disabilities Act (ADA), and other community programs. Despite decades of efforts aimed at promoting their social inclusion, a legacy of stigma remains towards these individuals, especially as they seek employment. What may be a simple task to some people may be more difficult for another, but that does not mean they’re incapable. The people that continue to hold negative attitudes and stereotypes are ignorant to the obstacles that these people endure while looking for employment, but with understanding, accommodations, and patience, who knows how far we can go.

Relation:

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2010 they estimated one of five people are disabled. Often, when we see these people, we see the negative stereotypes involved with them unable to perform and be of value in the workplace, but these ideas should be eradicated.

Central Idea:

Without proper help through various organizations and programs that reflect well on Title 1 of the ADA, these people can not realize their full potential, cope with the stresses of life, or work productively and meaningfully to contribute to the world. Without understanding mental health, we will not be able to progress.

Today, I will be going over:

1. Need:

The statistics that show the need for these organizations

2. Satisfaction:

Secondly, I will propose a few way to get involved to expand these opportunities

3. Visualization:

Third, take a look at the potential benifits from these programs.

Credibility Statement:

According to an article I found while researching called, ‘Workplace Discrimination and Visual Impairment”, it states that the ADA short for American Disability Act. Title I is the employment title. It requires that employers not discriminate against individuals who, with reasonable accommodations, can perform the essential functions of the job. This is a law that provides the rights for these individuals to obtain accommodations for their workplace or what they may require to manage their working abilities.

Now I will begin to share a few statistics to prove that there is a need for expanding these programs that will be beneficial for the massive amount of people who suffer from a disability.

1. According to the research I’ve found in the 2016 annual report of disability statistics,

The percentage of people with disabilities in the US population rose from 11.9% in 2010 to

12.6% in the last few years. With the numbers on the rise, there will be a demand for opportunities for these individuals in the workplace. In 2015, 34.9% of people with disabilities in the US ages 18-64 living in the community were employed compared to 76.0% for people without disabilities – a gap of 41.1 percentage points.

And this is how we are looking to get involved.

2. Getting Involved: In our community, there are non-profit organizations and programs to educate and prepare these individuals. For example, Woods Services, which offers a non-profit multi-service health management organization providing innovative, integrated education, housing, workforce, behavioral health, and case management services to more than 4,000 children and adults with a disability. Woods is a great place to get involved, to volunteer and donate time, and familiarize yourself in the presence of the disabled community. Woods Services develops innovative and individualized support systems that empower people with disabilities and challenges to reach their highest potential, especially in the workplace. That is just one of the many organizations I could share with you today, but let’s take a look at why it would it be beneficial to continue to strive for the continuance of these programs.

3. Potential benefits in the expansion of these programs

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, and the Job Accommodations Network annual report, it concludes that “workplace accommodations not only are low cost but also positively impact the workplace in many ways.” This report found that more than half of requested workplace accommodation cost absolutely nothing for the companies to implement. It is not an economic burden for these accommodations.

Also, people with disabilities are proven reliable employees and have an overall higher job retention rate. Many studies have shown that they take less absence days, and are more likely to stay on the job longer than non-disabled workers.

Employees with disabilities are less likely to get into work related accidents. Two studies, one from the Department of Labor Statistics and a more recent one from the DuPont company concluded that workers with disabilities had a significantly higher performance in the area of safety than their counterparts without disabilities. In other words, employees with disabilities are more aware and conscientious of safety in the workplace.

The increase of diversity in the workplace for both workers benefit equally from a more diverse work setting. By working alongside employees with disabilities, individuals who are not disabled will become more aware about how to make the workplace and other settings more inclusive and accessible to everyone. It all really comes down to, people with disabilities are as capable as anyone else.

Conclusion:

To review and conclude my presentation today, I would like to reiterate what I have shared with you. I showed you the need of availability for opportunities for the increase of individuals who may need accommodations to work, as well as the act that continues to strive towards this mission. Secondly, I shared with you a specific non profit organization that inspires and prospers in this mission. And third, I hope you all see the importance of including and involving people with disabilities benifits all in the work environment and to see their true potential, and live life as an important part of the community.

Action:

Now, what I wish to instill in you, is to take time to volunteer and donate to these non-profit organizations, and set out into your community to make a difference. If we break the stigmas of hiring, or working next to a person with disabilities, who knows where we can go, we will be united in the community, as well as in the opportunities to grow beyond what we can imagine capable. Thank you.

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