It is estimated that in excess of one billion people, roughly 15% of the global population, have some form of disability. Of the one billion, between 110 and 190 million people have difficulty in functioning. This of course can have implications for employment, but it is clear that more needs to be done by employers with regard to employing people with disabilities. In Asia for example, it is estimated that there are 238 million people of working age with a disability, with unemployment often as high as 80% among these. However, the unemployment rate figure for people with disabilities in Canada is a little lower at over 20%. A telling stat is one from the U.S. that indicates that over 60% of people with disabilities in America said they would like to find work, but could not find jobs.
This infographic from Burning Nights aims to increase awareness on the difficulties that persons with disabilities face in gaining employment, while also focusing on some of the benefits that both employers and employees can attain from choosing to employ persons with disabilities. (click here to open infographic in a bigger window, and then click again)
Text version:
Why Diversity in Staff Can Improve Business Performance
Disability affects a significant portion of the global population. Here, we look at some of the benefits to both businesses, and people with disabilities, of obtaining employment.
Stats on Disability:
Over 1 billion people, roughly 15% of the global population, have some form of disability. Of the one billion, it is estimated that between 110 and 190 million have difficulty in functioning.
Rates of disability continue to increase due to aging population and an increase in chronic health conditions.
In developing countries, the rate of disability in children is expected to increase due to malnutrition, child labour and diseases.
Children with disabilities are less likely to start or stay in school in comparison with persons without disability.
Employment and Disability Around the World:
In Asia, it is estimated that there are 238 million people of working age with a disability , with unemployment as high as 80% among these.
The unemployment rate for people with disabilities in Canada is over 20%.
In China, approximately 80% of people with disabilities are employed.
In India, 74% of people with physical disabilities are unemployed.
Over 60% of people with disabilities in America said they would like to find work, but could not find jobs.
What Are Reasonable Adjustments?
Modifying or acquiring equipment.
Facilitating training or mentoring.
Can include making changes to a disabled person’s working pattern.
May involve little or no cost.
Ensuring that information is provided in accessible formats.
Reasonable adjustments must be made to support applications from people with disabilities and employees with disabilities.
Making alterations to premises.
Benefits of Hiring Persons With Disabilities:
Enables a business to reach a bigger market, and develop greater flexibility.
Provides social opportunities and an income for people with disabilities.
Diversity in any work environment helps to develop better solutions to business challenges.
Enables companies to better serve their customers who also have disabilities.
Studies in the US found that people with disabilities had better retention rates and less absenteeism rates.
In the UK, B&Q found that employing workers with disabilities had resulted in increased employee satisfaction and better retention and productivity rates.
Quotes:
“Each person is talented in his or her own way, and we should look at what they have and what they don’t have.” – Tan Tong Hai, Chief Executive Officer of Starhub Ltd.
“Disability is a matter of perception. If you can do just one thing well, you’re needed by someone.” – Martina Navratilova, Former world number 1 tennis player
“Persons with a disability bring with them something that a lot of other people don’t have. They are able to manage a very difficult life. They couldn’t manage ordinary life without developing excellent problem-solving skills, which makes them an asset.” – Mark Bagshaw, Managing Director Innov8
Source: Burning Nights
This post was written by Victoria Abbott-Fleming, Managing Director of a chronic pain management company called Burning Nights, a non-profit organization.