A new study released by University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business and local nonprofit manufacturing company MDI confirms what most of us probably suspect: individuals with disabilities face implicit bias when it comes to trying to enter the workforce.
“Companies seem to have a tough time figuring out how to work with people with disabilities,” says Peter McDermott, MDI CEO. “We really wanted this to be an effort to educate employers that people with disabilities can work. Low expectations is the curse of people with disabilities.”
McDermott thinks that’s why the employment numbers for individuals with disabilities are so much worse than for those without disabilities. In Minnesota, for example, individuals with disabilities are 2.6 times more likely to be unemployed than the general population, among people ages 18-64, according to a 2017 report from the Minnesota State Demographic Center.
Barriers on the would-be employee side include challenges with life and communication skills, logistical issues, such as commuting, and lack of awareness of employment resources.
The process
The research team – comprised of four students from the business class taught by professor Avinash Malshe in the recent spring semester – began the study by examining existing academic research on the employment landscape.
They then conducted in-depth interviews with human resource professionals, job coaches and paraprofessionals, psychologists, program coordinators and individuals with disabilities.
One team member, Joan Chirchir, explained that for the most part, none of the students had much academic or personal experience related to people with disabilities, and though some findings were as imagined, they encountered unexpected aspects of the issue.
She says one of the key findings of the research that most surprised her was how much the simple act of exposure could make a difference.
“The people who have had some sort of personal experience with people with disabilities were… willing to give them a chance to try and be successful at a job,” says Chirchir.
Another finding was that there’s a lack of understanding of the diversity of the spectrum – people tend to group individuals with disabilities into one overarching category, despite individuals having a wide range of gifts and capabilities. These people, says Chirchir, have “so much potential” but are “written off by society.”
For its part, Minneapolis-based MDI hires many individuals with disabilities for production roles, across its four locations. McDermott admits those positions are generally unskilled labor and the company doesn’t require high school diplomas, but he notes they are purposeful jobs and there are indeed educated IWDs among staff – including one person with a PhD who “happens to have a disability.”
From research to realization
Armed with their findings, the research team made recommendations for improving the odds of businesses hiring individuals with disabilities.
MDI knows it’s no easy task. Accommodating people with disabilities does take extra effort in some ways.
For example, MDI built sliding doors at one location, and the company has an HR director on site at each location to work directly with people with disabilities – helping them find transportation, providing ongoing support, etc.
In general, McDermott says the financial cost isn’t significant, and it’s worth that effort, because individuals with disabilities can make great employees.
Adds Chirchir: “do people with disabilities have challenges when it comes to the work place? Absolutely. But do they have the ability to add value to the work place? Definitely.”
The research team suggested MDI can spread this idea through various means, including: participating in St. Thomas roundtable discussions, in which MDI would speak to CEOs about IWDs in the workforce; conducting volunteer events with businesses and individuals with disabilities; and utilizing social media.
General recommendations include: implementing partnerships, youth mentorship programs, and reverse job fairs where employers seek out candidates with disabilities.
MDI plans to pursue these courses of actions, likely starting with the roundtables.
“[We want to spread] awareness, and the appreciation and the understanding – we’re addressing some of those misperceptions and stereotypes,” says McDermott. “It’s a journey. This is a marathon. It’s not a sprint but we want to continue to do our part to advance the mission.”
Click here to view study findings.
Article written by Amanda Ostuni and published August 2, 2018 on Twin Cities Business.com. Full article here.
