“Naming the disability took the power away from it and gave it back to me,” expressed Alice Muterspaw, VP, Vocational Services, at The Viscardi Center.
The Center is embracing disability identity, not just for the people it serves, but for its employees, too. This past spring, they launched the “I Chose to Disclose” campaign. With a goal of educating employees on the difference between and benefits of self-identification and self-disclosure, the campaign was kicked off by the Center’s disabled President and CEO, Dr. Chris Rosa: “…lend your voice to the rich chorus of people with disabilities singing our Viscardi song,” he encouraged. The campaign features a series of short video vignettes and posters about the journey of a diverse group of employees with congenital, acquired, visible and non-visible disabilities and why they “chose to disclose.”
Empowering individuals with disabilities to bring their whole selves to work is at the root of developing and implementing best practices for disability inclusion in the workplace. Employee Resources Groups (ERGs), as well as strategies to encourage self-identification/self-disclosure, are two ways organizations can ensure disability is part of their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. Both are key to attract, hire, retain, and advance a talented pool of disabled employees at all levels, and to foster disability-friendly work environments.
The Viscardi Center already logs over 17% of its employees as having a disability, which is more than double the 7% utilization goal set by the U.S. Federal Government’s rules for Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act—a requirement that federal contractors and subcontractors plan affirmative action toward employing qualified individuals with disabilities. Even so, as a disability services provider, the Center felt there was still room for growth.
In just a few months, the non-profit has seen results. The most significant? Genuine conversations between colleagues, as well as employees and the youth and adults they serve. “I found that disclosing my hearing loss to my students…makes them more confident or [know] that it’s OK they have a disability,” shared Lauren Feldmann, a science teacher at Henry Viscardi School , which is attended by students with severe physical disabilities and medical conditions.
Spontaneous teaching moments happen daily. Allan Prinstil, a marketing specialist, talked about his color blindness and the technology he uses to discern colors while apparel shopping to a group of Viscardi 2nd graders while they ate their lunch. What sparked the chat? A poster featuring Allan that was hanging up on the wall in the cafeteria. Being young wheelchair users, they asked him why he was on the poster since they assumed he was able-bodied. It opened the door for Allan to explain that not every disability can be seen.
In addition, Viscardi has noted new disclosures from not only recent hires, but those that have acquired a disability since joining the team. The campaign gave them the confidence and opportunity to take action.
Henry Schein is also taking action to create a disability-affirming culture. Recognizing that 1.3 billion people in the world have a disability, and that there also are nearly 44 million caregivers in the United States, Henry Schein launched its newest Employee Resource Group, Able & Disabled Allies Partnering Together (ADAPT). The ERG aims to celebrate the diversity of disabilities by raising awareness through education. Its members include people with disabilities as well as those in a support role.
“At Henry Schein, we believe that whether we are disabled or able-bodied, we all have the power and responsibility to make society more inclusive for all,” said Seema Bhansali, Vice President, Team Schein Member Experience & Inclusion, Henry Schein, Inc. “We embrace the principle of inclusivity, recognizing that everyone, regardless of ability, contributes to a more diverse and vibrant society. Our ADAPT ERG serves as a catalyst for building a supportive and inclusive community. Through awareness initiatives, educational programs, and collaborative efforts, the ADAPT ERG empowers individuals with disabilities, their loved ones, and advocates.”
There’s no doubt more can be done to improve employment outcomes for the disability community, and the efforts of Henry Schein and The Viscardi Center exemplify how to lead the way. Everyone deserves to be part of workplace communities that value and celebrate who they are.