“Persons with disabilities solve problems. Life has taught them this. This is a skill that has a dollar value in the workplace” -Bill Wilkerson
The following is taken from a speech by Bill Wilkerson who, in preparing his remarks, said he “started thinking about what persons with so-called disabilities have in common with me – a person of so-called sound mind and body”
- – Persons with disabilities seek fairness, not favour, in getting and keeping a job. So do I.
- – Persons with disabilities need competitive wages. All my life, so have I.
- – Persons with disabilities sometimes need time off for personal reasons. So do we all.
- – Persons with disabilities occasionally need mentoring on the job. So does everyone else.
- – Persons with disabilities may need a modified work station, training and time to adapt. In this age of ergonomics and teamwork, so does the whole world.
- – Persons with disabilities sometimes need flexible hours. So do I.
- – Persons with disabilities need to have jobs they grow into, not just jobs to survive in. Who doesn’t?
- – Persons with disabilities need to have their performance on the job measured fairly and accurately. As we all do.
- – Persons with disabilities don’t walk around in packs. They are individuals who influence the buying decisions of friends and family. Business, listen up.
- – Persons with disabilities need honest feedback about their chances to compete for the job they’ve applied for and not silence from self-conscious hiring managers.
- – Persons with disabilities don’t need sympathy; they need empathy and opportunity.
If you need more information or help in hiring people with disabilities please contact us at (780) 423-4106.
