“Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” – Theodore Roosevelt

The ability to work can mean more than a paycheck (although that’s very important!). Having a job contributes to a person’s self-respect, provides meaning, and offers important social interactions. However, for people who have been injured, suffered severe illness, or have disabilities, finding employment can be challenging. Many workplaces are not set up to accommodate physical disabilities, and others are not willing to make accommodations.

And that’s a shame because research shows that an inclusive workplace “fosters greater innovation, higher productivity, improved employee engagement and retention, better decision-making, a stronger brand reputation, and a deeper understanding of diverse customer needs, ultimately leading to increased profitability and a more vibrant company culture.” That’s a lot of benefits!

Inspiring Stories of Inclusive Workplaces

Since October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) it seems appropriate to share some inspiring stories of people who overcame challenges and the workplaces that made it possible.

Frances

For as long as she could remember, Frances wanted to be a nurse. She started her career as a respiratory therapist and then went back to school to pursue her dream. She became a registered nurse in 2004 and loved her job. Unfortunately, in 2018 Frances suffered a stroke which left her with severe vertigo, migraines, and the need for physical therapy. She was unable to drive or read for the next three years. During that time, she really missed what she loved doing most – helping patients.

While she was unable to work, she applied for and received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which helped her pay the bills and get the care she needed, but she was desperate for something to give her meaning the way her job did. One day she received a letter from the Ticket to Work program, which supports career development for people with disabilities who are ready for employment. While she was unable to return to work as an RN, which is too physically demanding, she found a position as an Endoscopy Sedation Nurse at the Virginia Commonwealth University VCU) Medical Center. She still deals with migraines and must take frequent breaks to hydrate and rest, but the staff at VCU is willing to accommodate her needs. They value her experience, expertise, and hard work enough to help her succeed.

Jillian

Being in a wheelchair should not be a barrier to employment, but Jillian, who had considerable experience in IT project management, was finding it hard to find a job that matched her skills after an accident left her physically disabled. Then one day she heard about a job with Capital Investments. Philip Twyford, who was the branch manager, says that “we support diversity in the workplace and focus on inclusivity.” They proceeded through the standard (and very thorough) hiring process to ensure that Jillian had the right skills to meet their needs, which she did.

However, because Jillian uses a wheelchair, accommodations such as automatic doors and accessible restrooms were necessary. Thankfully, her employer and her colleagues were very supportive and proactive in providing an inclusive environment. Not only does Jillian love her job, but her employer says having her on the team is a bonus.

Brendan

“He’s one of the hardest workers you’re going to find,” says Brendan’s supervisor at Acushnet, the manufacturer of Titleist golf clubs. Brendan, who is confined to a wheelchair, works with a team of five other employees with disabilities to build about 1,000 boxes and 3,000 packaging inserts at the company’s manufacturing facility each day. The process and equipment needed to be retrofitted to accommodate Brendan and his co-workers, but Doug Jacot, Acushnet’s Director of Manufacturing, who has been hiring people with disabilities for more than 20 years, says “They are the most can-do group I’ve ever been around, and they elevate the attitudes of everyone around them.” For Brendan, the payoff is worth his hard work – it gives him independence and a greater sense of self-worth.

Disability Champions

These are just a few of the many inspiring stories of people overcoming disabilities and the employers who recognize the benefits of an inclusive workplace. Thankfully, more companies are making a commitment to hiring people who are differently abled. In fact, the National Organization on Disability (NOD) awards companies with the highest performance in disability inclusion practices and policies each year. In 2024 (this year’s awards have not been presented yet), there were 59 companies who received this recognition, including:

  • Abbott Laboratories
  • AT&T
  • The Boeing Company
  • Dow
  • General Dynamics Information Technology
  • The Hershey Company
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Lowe’s
  • Mayo Clinic
  • Oshkosh Corporation
  • Starbucks
  • T-Mobile
  • S. Bank
  • Walgreens
  • Wells Fargo

(For a complete list, click here.)

Companies that provide mentoring programs, flexible work policies, fair hiring practices, and accommodations for those with special needs are not only helping people lead more independent lives, but also reaping the numerous benefits of a diverse workforce. It’s a win-win.

Need Help?

If you need help getting your life back on track after a disability or workplace injury, call The Disability Guys today. We are The Choice for all your injury and disability legal needs and will fight to help you get the benefits you deserve. Happy National Disability Employment Awareness Month from all of us here at Markhoff & Mittman, P.C. | The Disability Guys.

If you have been injured or suffered an illness while on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. The experienced attorneys at The Disability Guys® can help you draft a claim, create an action plan, and get your life back! If you are unable to work due to a disability, our Social Security lawyers can help you get the benefits you deserve. Call us today at (914) 223-8032 for a free consultation.