Senior Capstone
~Investigating a Global Issue and Taking Local Action~
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Increasing Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities
Increasing Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities
In developing countries, 80-90% of people with disabilities of working age are unemployed. This quantity is only 30% lower in developed countries. Many don’t consider this group members of the workforce and believe that accommodating them in the workplace is expensive. Typically, fear and prejudice are the leading factors in creating this false perception. To reduce these inequalities, businesses and society must make an effort to include this group and combat these myths about them. Without financial security, many disabled individuals are not able to reach stages of love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization, all of which are essential for a productive and meaningful life. With financial security, they are able to join self-advocacy groups, communities, further their personal interests, and more. Including individuals with disabilities provides them income and opportunities for social participation and creates a diverse workplace and market for the business.
In developing countries, 80-90% of people with disabilities of working age are unemployed. This quantity is only 30% lower in developed countries. Many don’t consider this group members of the workforce and believe that accommodating them in the workplace is expensive. Typically, fear and prejudice are the leading factors in creating this false perception. To reduce these inequalities, businesses and society must make an effort to include this group and combat these myths about them. Without financial security, many disabled individuals are not able to reach stages of love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization, all of which are essential for a productive and meaningful life. With financial security, they are able to join self-advocacy groups, communities, further their personal interests, and more. Including individuals with disabilities provides them income and opportunities for social participation and creates a diverse workplace and market for the business.
Happy Brew: We Brew Possabilities
Happy Brew: We Brew Possabilities
“Happy Brew is a non-profit coffee shop that employs young adults with intellectual and developmental differences”. They provide employment, job training, leadership opportunities, and a vocational program. This unique vocational internship program lasts for 13 weeks and includes a session each week that focuses on growing workplace skills that best meets the individual’s needs. The therapist is with them every step of the way throughout the learning process. Other businesses can learn how to create more opportunities for people with disabilities by learning from Happy Brew’s inclusive model. Happy Brew is a place for the community to interact with employees and other people with disabilities.
Publix's Inclusion
Publix's Inclusion
Happy Brew is specifically designed to uplift and support adults with disabilities, but true change will come when other businesses facilitate the inclusion of disabled individuals in their workspaces. Analyzing Publix’s policies and efforts allowed me to understand to what extent this is possible. First, Publix is committed to inclusion and diversity in their employment, advertisements, image and more. Speaking with the Assistant Manager at Publix on Hodges gave me a deeper look. All employees must be able to perform the essential functions of a job with minor accommodation, such as equipment modifications. It is harder to have accommodation for more complex jobs. Therefore, reading, writing, and vision impairments are easier to accommodate. Typically, they will be partnered with another employee to help complete their tasks. Publix continues their commitment to inclusion by supporting the Special Olympics and hosting a Publix Serves week, where each Publix location gives back to a local organization through volunteering. In the past, they worked with The Arc of Jacksonville, an organization who serves people with intellectual and developmental differences. However, according to the founder of Happy Brew, Amy Franks, Publix struggles to accommodate individuals with disabilities long-term. Therefore, in order to provide long-term jobs for this group of people, businesses must be willing to reform internally.
Next Steps for Businesses + Society
Next Steps for Businesses + Society
First, businesses must carve out roles for individuals with disabilities. They must be open to creating a workplace where opportunities are available for everyone. Next, businesses should utilize occupational therapists to best support the needs and growth of people with disabilities. These therapists provide services, job coaching, skill development, and address workplace barriers. In other words, they are a link between adults with disabilities and businesses. Finally, this process will involve many rounds of trial and error, which businesses must approach with a constructive mindset.
To contribute to this cause, I will be taking my first step towards creating an impact by interning at the JT Townsend Foundation this summer and supporting their mission of "providing hope to the community of people living with disabilities". Specifically, I intend to assist with grant research, managing funds allocated for service projects, and organizing charity events. Additionally, in the past, I organized a charity golf tournament for the Jacksonville School for Autism, volunteered at the school’s summer camp, and conducted an independent study of disability advocacy.
While places like Happy Brew are vital in providing employment, mainstream businesses must also join the cause by actively hiring and supporting people with disabilities. A connection must be established between businesses, the community, occupational therapists, and individuals with disabilities for a brighter future for all.
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