Diversity
...als in the "untapped workforce" — that is, people with disabilities. · Additionally, 70 percent of the untapped workforce are unemployed; 90 percent want to work. What are some of the most commonly held myths (and facts) about people with disabilities?Myth: Disabled people just can't perform the job.Fact: Wrong. Statistics show that people with disabilities are more committed on average and tend to put in extra effort to ensure that the job is done correctly, because they are very aware of the prejudices against them.Myth: Disabled people miss more work, or are out sick more than others.Fact: Untrue. Statistics show that disabled people perform at a commitment level as high or higher than non-disabled people and that their attendance, retention and loyalty are often better than those without disabilities.Myth: Disabled people cost more money to employ, and accommodating them is very costly.Fact: Not so. Statistics and anecdotal evidence clearly suggest otherwise. Most workers with disabilities require no special accommodations from their employers. The costs for those who do are minimal or much lower than many believe. Of those employers who provide special apparatus for a disabled employee:· 20 percent spend more than $1,000 · 50 percent spend between $1 and $50 · 30 percent spend nothing at all Myth: The lack of work experience and social skills typical of people with disabilities causes conflicts with non-disabled co-workers.Fact: A no-brainer. Actually the reverse is true. The inclusion of people with disabilities promotes teamwork, cultivates cooperation and enhances group cohesion.Sources: HR Enterprises, President's Commission On EmployingPeople With DisabilitiesThe "So, What?"Simply put, disability is a diversity issue. What makes it a diversity (and business) issue are the converging real...