By Rachelle Vartanian

Guest Writer

Work is a fundamental part of life; It provides not only financial security, but also a sense of purpose, social connection, and personal fulfillment. This is what keeps society moving forward. Without it, there would be no trade, no education, no production, no cultural progress. Simply put, work is essential for individuals and civilization as a whole.

However, although work is a necessity for most of us, finding a job is not always easy, especially for people with mental or physical disabilities. That’s why National Disability Employment Awareness Month, celebrated every October, is so important. It sheds light on the barriers that people with disabilities face in employment and reminds us of the untapped potential that exists in this community.

At the Living and Learning Enrichment Center in Northville, we work with neurodiverse individuals every day, helping them develop job skills and find meaningful employment. We have seen first-hand how much they can contribute when given the opportunity, but there is still much to be done.

One of the biggest barriers to employment for people with disabilities is the ongoing stigma in many workplaces. While initiatives that promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) are making some progress, many businesses remain reluctant to hire people perceived to be “different.”

The challenge for organizations like us is to convince companies to give these people a chance. Through our programs, we educate businesses to understand the value that neurodiverse employees bring to the table. When done right, hiring individuals with disabilities is not just an act of inclusion; It is a true win-win situation for both employer and employee.

An important part of the challenge is overcoming the fear of the unknown. Many employers are hesitant to hire people with disabilities because they are unsure how this will work in practice. They have concerns about accommodations, productivity, and adapting to company culture. These are valid concerns, but they are often based on misconceptions rather than reality.

In fact, employers who take steps to hire neurodiverse individuals often find these employees to be some of the most dedicated, reliable and hard-working members of their teams. A great example is the manufacturing industry, where repetitive tasks are common. Neurodiverse employees often excel at such tasks and perform them consistently and precisely. They appreciate routine and are more than willing to take on roles that others may find monotonous.

Employers often report strong job performance as well as a positive impact on overall workplace morale. Working alongside colleagues with disabilities helps foster empathy and understanding and often leads to unexpected friendships and a more inclusive company culture.

The numbers tell a sobering story. According to Source America, in 2022, more than half of Michigan residents with disabilities were not employed. In Michigan, only 25.6% of working-age adults with disabilities held full-time, year-round jobs, and for those with cognitive disabilities, that number drops even further to 21.2%. Despite some progress, individuals with disabilities continue to be significantly underrepresented in the workforce.

In Life and Learning we have seen that this difference is not due to a lack of talent or willingness to work. This is often due to employers’ lack of opportunity and awareness. That’s why we’re so committed to partnering with businesses, helping them understand how to create an accommodating and welcoming environment for non-traditional employees.

We encourage more employers to explore the benefits of hiring people with disabilities. The rewards are clear. Employers gain dedicated, reliable employees, and employees gain the sense of purpose and independence that comes with meaningful employment.

The more we expose employers to the potential of the disabled workforce, the more everyone will benefit. Opening the door to neurodiversity and other nontraditional employees is a low-risk, high-reward opportunity that can enhance your company culture and workforce.

Let’s continue to work for a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

Rachelle Vartanian is the Founder and President of the Living and Learning Enrichment Center in Northville. Living and Learning’s programs and services address issues affecting neurodiversity.