I recently had the pleasure of speaking with some Employee Resource Group (ERG) leaders at other companies about their experience starting a People with Disabilities group. Celebrating our program’s ERG launch during Disabilities Awareness Month, I’m reflecting on how we can do better by our colleagues with disabilities.
In many social and professional spaces, people with disabilities contend with unfounded concerns about their ability to accomplish tasks independently. Silent stigmas associated with neurodivergence can keep people with invisible disabilities from feeling safe enough to voice their needs, so they also contend with highly preventable struggles with accessibility.
I recalled reading about the (well-intentioned) misstep of referring to people with disabilities as a source of “inspiration” for their ability to simply thrive in their own bodies. My new friends introduced me to this excellent TedTalk that covers this concept and more: “I’m Not Your Inspiration, Thank You Very Much”
Please take a few minutes and reflect on your own interactions and intentions. How can we better understand and show appreciation for our colleagues with disabilities? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let’s connect!