Empowering Disabled People: Overcoming Societal And Workforce Barriers

March 8, 2024

In a world that often celebrates diversity and inclusion, there’s a glaring gap between public declarations and the actual experiences of disabled people in the workforce. Despite businesses proclaiming their commitment to diversity, the job market remains an unfriendly terrain for many disabled individuals. For someone grappling with chronic conditions like mine, MCAS, POTS, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, the work search is fraught with obstacles. Add in hearing loss, and my options are discouraging. The truth is stark: many jobs, by their very nature, remain out of reach despite the best intentions for accommodation.

Overwhelming stimuli in office environments, the physical demands of a standard workweek, and inflexible schedules pose significant barriers. These challenges, compounded by societal prejudices and misinformation, often lead to discouragement, mental health struggles, and isolation. Is it any wonder Disabled Americans are at higher risk for mental health struggles as well?

Example of autistic woman being overwhelmed at work by two men standing over her with paperwork and ignoring her visible signs of distress

Disabled Americans often face tough challenges when trying to find a job. Even though (info for non-US readers) there’s a law called the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that protects them from being mistreated at work. However, the reality remains – many people still run into problems. Sometimes, employers don’t understand or don’t want to make the changes needed to help disabled people do their jobs. This can make it hard for someone with a disability to get hired or to feel welcome at their job.

Also, if a disabled person feels they’re being maltreated, fighting back can be really hard. Going to court takes a lot of time, money, and energy, and there’s no promise they’ll win. Plus, with new jobs like gig work (think of jobs like driving for a ride-sharing app), there aren’t always clear rules to protect disabled workers. This means we need to do a better job of ensuring laws are followed, teaching employers about the benefits of hiring disabled people and making workplaces more welcoming.

This societal ignorance isn’t limited to employment obstacles for those with disabilities, and it’s not just statistical. This issue is deeply personal; it permeates daily life, as seen in an incident a friend experienced. About a year ago, a friend of mine, who is both neurodivergent and a disabled veteran, was kicked out by a local Ramen restaurant. Their reason: her service dogs.

 --For all age groups, the employment-population ratio was much lower for people with a 
  disability than for those with no disability 
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)https://www.bls.gov/news.release/disabl.nr0.htm

Their hostess claimed she “knew the law.” News flash, she didn’t. This hostess asked invasive questions she had no right to ask. Broad assumptions about my friend’s disability validity. She called the very expensively groomed dogs “dirty.” I was FUMING mad and encouraged her to make a report to the proper bodies, but unfortunately, these infractions are commonplace. And the duty to report falls on the disabled person, who, most likely, is emotionally spent and even traumatized by the event.

These types of situations are commonplace in the job search as well. That same friend has had a terrible time trying to find work. If it isn’t the service dogs, it’s the neurological accommodations. Considerations that are fundamental human decencies have to be labeled “accommodations,” and most employers are unwilling. ADHDers need additional reminders and more time training in some cases. Grace period for the clock in/out. Reminders about lunch and breaks. Time to take meds on schedule without being treated like an addict for essential medication. All these things would have made employment possible for this friend. Instead, she was fired. If an employer can convince an assessor (usually because they aren’t required to be disabled themselves) that the requested accommodations would interfere with daily business, you lose.

Her self-esteem took a wild hit from that. Adding insult to an already raw injury. Life was hard on her, and this job essentially told her, “You are a failure” because of a condition she has. She was not in a good place, and I hate to say it, but most like us are. She felt as if she was failing as a wife, a mother, and a woman. All because disability gets in the way.

Additional Challenges of Disabled People: Motherhood

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Society scripts roles that don’t always fit, particularly for disabled individuals. Being a disabled mother and wife comes with its own set of societal pressures, from financial contributions to maintaining social connections and familial care. These expectations can feel like a mis-fitting garment—uncomfortable and ill-suited. Women, in particular, face immense pressure to conform to idealized standards, disregarding individual limitations and realities. When disability is added to this mix, the challenges intensify, akin to adding sand into the gears of daily life.

Graph of employment rate of disabled vs non-disabled people 2023

One of the significant legislative and systemic challenges that women with disabilities face in the Workforce is related to health care. Due to the financial limitations imposed by programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), many are placed in vulnerable positions. Some are trapped in abusive situations as a result.

The requirement to demonstrate an inability to sufficiently work in order to qualify for Medicaid, combined with SSI’s low income and savings limits, creates a paradox where looking for work can jeopardize essential health services. This dilemma forces some people with disabilities to choose part-time work or unemployment to maintain health care, but that often leaves them without employer-provided health benefits and dependent on Medicaid alone.

Women with disabilities may experience unique forms of abuse that are difficult to recognize—making it even harder to get the kind of help they need. Such abuse may include:

Removing or destroying a person’s mobility devices (e.g., wheelchairs, scooters, walkers).
Denying access to and/or taking prescribed medication from someone.
Forcing someone to take medication against her will.
Forcing someone to lie in soiled undergarments.
Preventing access to food.
Inappropriately touching a person while assisting with bathing and/or dressing.
Denying access to disability-related resources in the community and/or to health care appointments.

If you know someone who is being abused or if you are being abused, it is important to know that there is help
American Psychological Association

These restrictions not only limit financial independence but can also prevent full-time employment, fueling a cycle of dependency and poverty. They often become the subject of social pressure and shame. Politicians like to hold up disabled people as “leeches too lazy to work.” Making broad claims about the number of frauds in the system. Anyone who has been through the process can tell you that if they can pass the extremely rigid approval process, they are either genuinely disabled or need to go into acting professionally. (Leonard, 2023)

Additionally, workplace discrimination is another monumental challenge if you secure employment. Despite these challenges, disabled workers’ ability to participate in the workplace is apparent, demonstrating the need for inclusive and accommodating work (KIRO 7 News Seattle, n.d.).

Adapting Workplaces for Neurodiverse and Disabled Employees

Navigating a world not built for you is daunting, especially when adding job hunting to the equation. The accessibility of the job market for disabled workers is fraught with hurdles. Every application sent, interview attended, or social event navigated drains an already limited energy reserve. As a disabled woman, the hurdles are personal and pervasive. From the challenges of education and employment to the daily logistics of living with a disability, each day is a test of resilience.

Personal limitations, such as difficulty with prolonged sitting or standing and the need for a flexible work environment, significantly narrow the field of possible employment opportunities. People with disabilities in the world of work often

woman holds her wrist as if in pain while sitting at her work desk

use adaptive and coping strategies to successfully navigate their work environment. These technologies facilitate remote work, help adapt the work environment to individual needs, and provide access and inclusion.

In addition, coping strategies play a crucial role in managing the stress often associated with navigating stress in the workplace for people with disabilities. Some of these strategies, adaptations, and supports for disabled employees include maintaining a solid support system, hobbies, caring for animals, watching favorite shows or movies, spending time outside, doing physical activities tailored to your abilities, and seeking professional help when needed. These techniques can help reduce stress and frustration, create a sense of community and purpose, and improve overall well-being. (Technology Can Level the Playing Field for People With Disabilities in the Workforce, 2022)

Each of these adaptations and strategies highlights the importance of personal well-being, community support, and the advantage of technology to create a more inclusive and accessible work climate for individuals with disabilities. Customizing the work environments for disability inclusion helps everyone, not only the disabled.

The Role of Technology in Creating Inclusive Work Environments For Disabled People

The “return to the office” movement in a “post-pandemic” world is potentially eliminating the disabled from the Workforce again. It is also harming parents without support networks, in childcare deserts, and single parents. Combatting workplace discrimination and providing accessibility is a holistically productive practice that removes obstacles for everyone. Keeping work arrangements flexible for everyone allows disabled, disadvantaged, and mentally ill people alike to benefit while providing a boon to the company culture.

Becoming disabled myself reinforced an already passionate view and drive to see disabled people represented more publicly. It has made me a champion for disability inclusion and justice. Knowing that some companies are embracing disability diversity in recruitment helps push me on. Companies could benefit from think tanks with disabled applicants to devise better strategies for diversity and inclusion in hiring and the work environment.

We all have enough to stress over, we need to address disabilty as a community. Especially when you take into consideration the rates of neurodiversity in the younger generations._{(Autism, ADHD, OCD, Accommodations in the workplace)}

Navigating Family Dynamics with Disabilities

Disability within a family context introduces a complex layer of challenges and emotions. As a mother with her own disabilities, guiding a neurodiverse child can feel like navigating without a map. The shared struggles can be bonding yet also a source of guilt and concern, especially when considering the potential inheritance of conditions. Discovering my neurodivergence shortly after my child’s diagnosis turned me into a rabid advocate for disability rights and accommodations.

Potentially watching a partner’s health deteriorate adds another layer of emotional complexity, transforming the family dynamic and financial planning. (Greeley, 2022)

Raising a neurodivergent child when you are neurodivergent yourself is a journey full of unique challenges and deep emotions. It’s like walking through a maze where you and your child try to navigate the paths, but sometimes you face the same obstacles. This journey can be challenging because, as parents, we often see ourselves in our children. When these considerations include neurodivergence, the journey can seem even more difficult.

One of the most emotionally disheartening parts of disabled parenting is dealing with the guilt and shame of passing on genetic traits that make things difficult for our children. It’s like you gave them a heavy backpack you carried yourself. Doubling it and passing it to the next. This backpack is not visible; it consists of challenges such as difficulty in social situations, sensory sensitivity, or struggle to learn in traditional ways.

woman plays with small children on the floor drawing

Parents may worry, “Have I made my child’s life difficult because of these inherited traits?” Such feelings are common among parents in this situation, highlighting the emotional nature of parenting neurodivergent children. Imagine both having trouble interpreting social cues or feeling uncomfortable in crowded places. Social gatherings, parent-teacher conferences, or even play dates can be daunting tasks. The research and burden of self-education before IEP and 504s as provided by IDEA. _{(U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, OSERS)}

A parent navigates their own struggles in these environments and tries to support their child through similar struggles. It can feel like you’re attempting to guide someone through terrain you’re still learning to navigate yourself.

Add to an already stressful situation is the trauma of past failed social situations, especially when these situations are repeated. Everyone keeps telling me to get back on the horse. Well, last I checked, society defines insanity as doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting a different result. I won’t get back on the horse that keeps kicking me off.

The horse doesn’t like it, and I want to live.

Conversely, the shared experience of neurodiversity can strengthen the bond between parent and child. They understand each other in ways others may not and share a unique worldview. However, this shared experience also means that parents are well aware of their children’s problems, often because they have faced them too. This awareness can increase concern for a parent who knows their child’s obstacles.

Asking me to go back into social situations is no different than telling a burn survivor, “yea, you were in a horrible house fire that left you disfigured and scarred, but go stand by that bonfire; you will eventually become flameproof.” Neurodivergent people can’t make a part of our brains exist out of thin air. There are just some things we will never possess; for me, it seems to be good socialization skills. I refuse to make my child go through the agony of repeated burns and horse bucks.

Autism is highly heritable: It is estimated at least 50% of genetic risk is predicted by common genetic variation 15-20% is due to spontaneous mutations or predictable inheritance patterns.
(New Genetic Clues Uncovered in Largest Study of Families With Multiple Children With Autism, 2023)

Despite these challenges, there are strategies for neurodivergent parents that they can use to support their neurodivergent child. Creating a supportive environment at home where difference is celebrated and not stigmatized can be incredibly empowering. Participating in activities they enjoy and feel comfortable participating in can also strengthen their bond.

Furthermore, getting support from groups or experts who comprehend neurodiversity can yield helpful resources and therapeutic approaches. These guidelines will assist you in managing the difficulties of having a neurodivergent child and the personal obstacles that come with it.

This is where I time out for some lived advice: I strongly advocate for “finding your tribe” or your “people. While reductive, I recommend the “nerd” spaces. The nerd community is very open. I don’t mean the tech bro nerd. I mean Dungeons and Dragons, Warhammer 40k, Magic the Gathering, etc. I have met the kindest, warmest, most welcoming people through these communities. These people tend to be the social “misfits.” We also are highly empathetic because of our hobby; it requires us to live in the skin of another while role-playing. We must take on another persona, view, and sometimes belief system. It encourages empathy. I recommend getting neuro-spicy kiddos into these communities young to learn social skills and good sportsmanship and to help them find their people. . (Pérez et al., 2023), (Ma et al., 2021), (Bachen et al., 2016), (Rivers et al., 2016), (Greitemeyer et al., 2010)

gamers at a gaming convention in a row at computers with purple neon lighting

child at table wearing white tee shirt assembling electronics on green board

Kids eating chips and watching media together sitting on the floor

Cosplayers posing for the camera wearing anime cosplay

Now, back to the blog-

Raising a neurodivergent child as a neurodivergent parent is complicated; full of challenges, but also full of opportunities for growth, understanding, and deep connection. This is an opportunity for parents to heal their inner child by caring for their actual child. It is a path that requires compassion for both self and young one and recognition of the strengths that neurodiversity can bring to a family. By accepting their complexities and seeking support when needed, parents and children can journey together, find ways to lighten the load, and appreciate the unique journey they share. Give each other tips, tricks, and advice.

My son actually recommended wearing my headphones while grocery shopping to prevent overwhelm. He was right; it works so well. Become a team, it is “you guys” against the world.

A Glimmer of Hope and Resilience

Despite the challenges painted by societal barriers and employment difficulties, there’s a thread of hope and resilience running through the disabled community. Around the world, individuals are finding creative ways to make spaces for themselves, advocating for more inclusive policies, and building supportive networks. This blog, for instance, is born from a mix of necessity and passion. It’s an example of channeling unique skills and interests into creating opportunities where none seemed to exist.

Online groups like The Society for Neurodiversity(S4Nd), a peer support group for and by neurodiverse people. They provide a support platform, information sharing, guidance, and community. The group is open to anyone identifying as neurodiverse, and they meet each month. They offer a valuable and needed resource for individuals seeking out their tribe.

(Neurodiversity, 2021)

For families and individuals in Washington State (where were based currently) seeking educational resources and support, the Autism Resource Guide by the ARC of Washington State offers various services and materials. This guide includes navigating healthcare, understanding autism, and addressing mental health concerns.

While the guide does include resources on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), we recognize the complexity of experiences with ABA, including those of individuals who have expressed concerns about their experiences. We are committed to listening to all voices in the autism community and support the ongoing dialogue about how best to serve the diverse needs of autistic individuals. (Autism Resources – Washington State, 2023)

The conversation around ABA is evolving, thanks in large part to autistic individuals sharing their experiences. We must continue to listen to and elevate these voices, fostering an environment where every individual’s needs and preferences are respected. We believe in the importance of advocating for approaches that respect the dignity and humanity of all autistic people, aiming for a future where every therapeutic and educational approach is tailored to support the well-being and personal growth of the individual. (Staff, 2021)

We personally do not and plan to never again utilize ABA within our family. We tried in the past and found it was not aligned with our core values.

ARC of Washington state landing page screen shot

The University of Washington’s DO-It(Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) program is an incredible asset

available, they offer the “Neuroscience for Neurodiverse Learners’ initiative. They provide hands-on experiences in neuroscience to neurodiverse high school and early college students. They are working towards engaging educators in best practices in teaching STEM (Science, Technology, engineering, and Mathematics) to neurodiverse students; it not only supports the students directly but creates a more inclusive and understanding educational environment. Programs like this, designed around our needs, underscore the importance of tailored education opportunities for neurospicy people to explore STEM and thrive. (Neuroscience for Neurodiverse Learners | DO-IT, n.d.)

University of Washington Do-It program landing page

This narrative aims to bridge understanding gaps, foster empathy, and inspire action towards a more inclusive society. Adjustments in tone, content, and structure are designed to make the article more coherent, engaging, and accessible, aiming for a consistent reading level to ensure broad comprehension and impact. Through personal anecdotes, expanded insights, and prompts for additional content, this piece seeks to highlight the challenges and celebrate the resilience and creativity of individuals and families navigating life with disabilities.

The Long and Short of It All

In the journey towards diversity and inclusion, the employment landscape for disabled individuals presents both challenges and opportunities. While society and businesses vocalize their commitment to diversity, the reality for those with disabilities seeking employment is often more complex.

Creating a more inclusive job market requires adherence to legal requirements and a deeper understanding of the benefits disabled employees bring to the Workforce. Employers need to understand that making accommodations frequently sparks creative solutions that benefit every worker and enhance the diversity, inclusivity, and productivity of the workplace.

The societal ignorance that overshadows disabled individuals’ capabilities extends beyond the workplace. The financial and emotional pressures of managing a household and the challenges of finding accommodating employment can amplify feelings of inadequacy and failure. This is particularly poignant for those raising neurodivergent children, where parents see their struggles mirrored in their children’s experiences.

woman laying her head and arms on a stack of books

However, amidst these challenges lies a wellspring of resilience and community support. Initiatives like peer support groups and educational resources tailored to neurodiverse individuals offer crucial support networks.

To foster an environment where disabled and neurodiverse individuals can thrive, society must move beyond mere compliance with legal standards to a deeper understanding and appreciation of diversity. By championing policies that genuinely accommodate the disabled community’s needs, employers can unlock the full potential of a truly diverse workforce. This journey requires systemic change and a collective shift in societal attitudes towards disability and neurodiversity. Through empathy, support, and advocacy, we can build a more inclusive world that values the contributions of all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

DjinniWhispers

DjinniWhispers

Mosaics Within My Mind