Seeing the ability
At AfroCentric, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) are essential components of our thriving, innovative and compassionate work environment. We believe every employee is unique and adds special value to our business.
As we each bring our whole self to work, we need to play our part in ensuring that our colleagues with disabilities feel supported, valued and included. In recognition of International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, we take a closer look at how we can support colleagues living with a disability.
Understanding diversity, equity and inclusion
Diversity refers to the presence of differences within a given setting, including race, gender, age, sexual orientation and disability. Equity involves ensuring fair treatment, opportunities and advancement while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. Inclusion is about creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued.
How you can support a colleague with a disability
Emotional support
- Empathy and understanding: Take the time to understand their experiences and challenges. Listen actively and validate their feelings without making assumptions or offering unsolicited advice.
- Open communication: Let your colleague know that you are available to talk and that you are willing to listen. This can help them feel more comfortable sharing their needs and concerns.
- Respect and dignity: Treat colleagues with disabilities with the same respect and dignity as you would anyone else. Avoid patronising language or actions and be mindful of their autonomy and capabilities.
Practical support
- Clear walkways: Ensure that walkways and common areas are free of clutter to accommodate colleagues who are visually impaired or use mobility aids. This simple act can prevent accidents and make navigation easier.
- Priority boarding: Provide priority boarding when accessing either the lifts or building.
- Face-to-face communication: When speaking with a colleague who is hearing impaired, make sure to face them directly so they can read your lips. Speak clearly at a normal pace and use gestures or written communication if necessary.
- Respectful interaction: Do not talk down to colleagues with mental impairments. Treat them as equals and focus on their abilities rather than their disabilities. Use clear and simple language without being condescending.
- Offer help thoughtfully: Instead of assuming a colleague with a disability needs help, ask if you may be of assistance. This respects their autonomy and allows them to express their needs.
- See beyond the disability: Focus on the person, not the disability. Recognise and celebrate their abilities, contributions and achievements. This helps to create a more inclusive and respectful workplace culture.
Supporting colleagues with disabilities is not just about meeting legal requirements; it’s about fostering a compassionate and inclusive work environment. By offering empathy, understanding and practical assistance, employees can make a significant difference in the lives of their colleagues with disabilities, contributing to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.
Making the job more accessible
There are several ways in which employers can help employees with a disability access the tools they need to do their job.
- Assistive technology: Ensure that assistive tools (e.g. speech-to-text software or ergonomic keyboards) are readily available and that employees are trained to use them.
- Inclusive meetings: Make meetings more inclusive by providing materials in accessible formats (e.g. large print or braille), use clear and simple language, and ensure that virtual meetings have captions or sign language interpreters if needed.
- Flexible work arrangements: Offer flexible work arrangements to accommodate medical appointments, clock in and clock out time to accommodate travel time, therapy sessions or periods of rest that a colleague with a disability might need.
- Training and awareness: Provide training for all employees on disability awareness and inclusion, and encourage employees to educate themselves about different disabilities and the best ways to offer support.
Be sure to read our article, Understanding disability, to learn more about the types of disability that can affect people.
