People with disabilities face barriers as part of their everyday lives. Barriers take on different forms that range from physical to “systematic barriers” in the workplace and society. Yet, the most difficult barrier people with disabilities face are attitudinal. These attitudinal barriers reflect low expectations from society in general. No matter what the source of attitudinal barriers (i.e. fear, misunderstanding, or hate) they keep society from recognizing and appreciating the full potential of people with disabilities.
To do this, businesses needs qualified workers. Hiring people with disabilities adds value to your business and will attract new customers.
Employers who include disability friendly strategies in the workplace enrich and enhance organizational benefits. Such benefits include diversity leader-ship, innovation, increase in overall morale, and the ability to cast a wider recruiting net. There are several disability friendly strategies for the workplace:
◗ It is perfectly acceptable to offer to shake hands when you are introduced to a person with a disability, even when the disability involves limited hand use or an artificial limb. Shaking hands with the left hand is also acceptable.