According to the World Health Organization* more than one billion people worldwide live with a disability. To put that in terms I can understand, I decided to relate that to my company. We have approximately 16 full time employees. If our company had the same percentage of people living with disability as there are worldwide, we would have 2 full time employees with disabilities.
This got me thinking - who are they? Have I been aware of the needs and abilities of all my coworkers? Am I doing everything I can to ensure all people feel part of the group and not excluded?
Check out the Introduction to disability and accessibility on Microsoft Learn to learn with me.
My Key Takeaways
Be Respectful
No matter what you think you know about a person or their disability, we are all unique. Listen to the people you work with. They know themselves, and their needs and limitations, better than anyone else.
Own Your Mistakes
This one goes for life in general, and I've probably learned it a thousand times and will learn it a thousand times more. No one is perfect, myself included. Admit when you're wrong, examine why it happened, and do better next time.
Be Approachable
Not all people with disabilities will be open about disclosing their disabilities. Listen to the people you work with, and take non-verbal cues too.
Over 1 billion people in this world are living with some form of disability. Odds are you've worked with at least one of them, and every person matters.
