BARRIERS WE FACE

If we lived in a perfect world, we wouldn't have to worry about the level of difficulty getting a job, how we would get to and from work, and if we could relate to our coworkers. However, we face these realities everyday. Those individuals who stray from the socially constructed norm endure struggles most of us have yet to fathom. For those who identify as having a disability, these factors are extremely hard for them to find. 

A barrier those looking for jobs face is almost always representation. Thousands of questions flow through our head: will my cubicle neighbor like the same coffee as me, is my boss going to be the same age as me or older, will my coworkers and I get along?  However, for those with disabilities they wonder: will my coworkers also have a disability, will my boss let me be flexible on my schedule, how will I do my job if I am the first one with a disability to be in the office?

​

Studies have shown that representation in the entry level for jobs is vital to how far the employee goes in their journey with the job (Bonnielin, S., & Meeks, L. M.). With lack of representation, the number of individuals of a certain identity decreases over time as there is less and less representation at higher levels.

​

You may be thinking, how can we get more representation at the trainee level if the numbers are so low in other areas? Well, the answer is that inclusion policies implemented in the work place paired with the ability to create more creates the perfect recipe for moving forward.

​

THE TAKEAWAY
It is important to recognize that all around us, we are constantly surrounded by individuals who have access to more than others or are more privileged than others. The video linked above posted by the Open Society Foundations aims to address this same thing: recognizing our privilege in a privileged based world. In terms of those with disabilities, the video just like this article are aiming to bring light to the injustice those with disabilities face and how important it is to reach out and do our part.

​