The Art of Storytelling:
Amplifying the voices and stories of people with disabilities to transform the workplace A N CO R FO U N DAT I O N L EA DE RSHIP ACA DE M Y, 2 0 2 5 CA P STONE P ROJ EC T E R I CA T HO M A S
What do you want employers to know about people with disabilities? “We want to be treated with dignity and respect – like don’t put a person down because of their disability. We can do what everyone does. I used to work, but the nice way of firing me was they gave me a layoff and I know what a layoff is. They need to be real and honest with people with disabilities.”- TG
What do you want employers to know about people with disabilities? “They need to know we can do everything like everybody else, but sometimes we might do it slower, but we do it well. I go at my pace and get the job done. They would put me to work with someone else in a wheelchair or the old people – I didn’t like that. They assumed that I didn’t have skills and that I could not do the job like everyone else.” – KJ
What do you want employers to know about people with disabilities? “Give us a chance and don’t judge us. Treat us in a nice and loving way. Give us an opportunity to work – don’t be like, ‘oooh you can’t do that, you can’t do this.’ How do you know I can’t do it? You didn’t even give me a chance.” – MB
Inclusive Employment Training Implement 1-Day Training (Adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities):
• Provide targeted training for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, focusing on workplace rights, inclusion, equity and success. • Support participants in developing stories that showcase skills, talents, needs, goals, etc. • Provide additional training, as needed.
Implement 1-Day Training (Employers):
• Provide training for employers looking to hire people with disabilities, unsure about hiring people with disabilities or already have hired people with disabilities, focusing on workplace inclusion, rights in the workplace, accommodations, etc. • Share the stories of people with disabilities. • Support employers in developing stories that will attract people with disabilities to their organization. • Provide additional training, as needed.
Inclusive Employment Training Topics to Cover: 1. Rights and Protections 2. DEIAB Principles 3. The Benefits of Hiring People with Disabilities 4. Support in the Workplace 5. Employer Engagement 6. Discovery and Storytelling
Why should employers hire people with disabilities? “…to see that we are normal human beings.” – VD “We should be given a chance too – we are just like them. Give me a chance to work just like everyone else.” – DT
Why should employers hire people with disabilities? “We know what we can do – the kind of work we can do and not to put us down. They want us to try to do it and we are going to try to do it. They don’t want to respect us, but they need to respect us. Let us get that job done.” – GP
Why should employers hire people with disabilities? “I think we should be given a chance. I started as a volunteer at the library shelving books. I went to circulation where I got people library cards. I can teach people skills. Don’t be ashamed to make a mistake; we all make mistakes. They can be corrected. I look at my disability like I’m on a team – a winning team. Don’t judge a person with a disability – give them a chance. There is love in them and good work will come out of them.” – RT
Significance of Project • Empowerment through Choice • Addressing Disclosure Fears • Building Self-Awareness and Confidence • Breaking Stereotypes • Promoting Inclusion and Opportunity • Amplifies the voices of people with disabilities • Promotes advocacy • Enhances employment opportunities for people with disabilities • Creates platforms for training and development
Why is Employment Important to You? “…I love making money. I used to get up when it was snowing and I had regular cab drivers. I got to work before the ablebodied people. They would say, ‘lil bit if you made it in, then everyone should be able to make it in.’” – TG “Going to get a job to learn new things and get paid money. Buy the stuff that I need. I don’t have to wait around for people to buy it for me…to feel good about myself.” – KJ “Have my own money. To spend it on what I want to spend it on.” – MB “To do a good job at work and get me some money. Prove ourselves on the job.” – DT
Outcomes • Increased awareness • Increased numbers of people with disabilities hired • People with disabilities know their rights in the workplace • Organizations/Employers set the standard • Encourage disability service providers to hire people with disabilities – “walk the walk” • Inclusive opportunities • More jobs/Pool of jobs
Shout Outs… Storytellers Sasha Sencer
Darlene Scott
Cindy Kauffman
Leadership Academy
“What do we want? Employment! When do we want it? Now!”
-RT