When A Person With A Disability Is Treated Fairly At Work It Goes A Long Way
Updated: Jan 22
Written by Mikayla Kryzanowski, BCPF Member & Self-Advocate
January 20, 2025
There are many important milestones in a person’s life. This is especially true for people with disabilities. One of these milestones includes finding a job. For me, this hasn’t been a straightforward process. The employment process is filled with lots of highs and lows. I have had lots of support finding a meaningful job that fits my needs but, I have found one that is the right fit for me right now.
My experience with employment has been alright for the most part. There have been lots of times where I had to advocate for myself. This can look like asking for a promotion or, even just more hours. Although, this is the right thing to do in terms of self determination and freedom. Sometimes, you don’t get what you are looking for; this is what happened to me when I spoke up for myself at work. In some situations, I have been discriminated against for having a disability in the workplace. For example, being turned down for a promotion or not getting invited to a team meeting. Also, getting written up at work due to some things I struggle with due to my disability. Well, none of this is ok to do at work, it really shows me that there is a lot of work that needs to be done in terms of inclusion and equality in the workplace for people with disabilities. I recently started a new job with an organization that has been very understanding of my support needs and I’m getting to support children on the spectrum at a gymnastics gym.
Some of the services for employment that I’ve received have included help with finding jobs based on my interests, interview support and job coaching in the role that I got hired for. Also, my employment specialist would check in with me and the employer to see how things are going at my workplace.
Furthermore, when a person with a disability is treated fairly at work it goes a long way for the individual’s sense of respect and dignity. The person then would not have to find a different employer because the environment meets the individual’s strengths and provides opportunities to learn more at their workplace which then leads to career advancement throughout an organization.
Comments