Why Do Special Needs People Lack Opportunities for Employment?

Special needs people have much to offer the business community, but these 6 reasons often prevent it from happening.
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Walking into a job interview can spark a multitude of feelings. It is an exciting time as the potential of receiving the position comes to mind. It can also be an unnerving time. The candidate has to prove he or she is the best person for the job. Qualifications, work history, and answers to questions are all closely examined. This can be a challenge for anyone, but for individuals with special needs, there is an additional challenge.

A young man and recent college grad, assisted by his guide dog, walked into a job interview, greeted the committee, and the interview began. It started with the ordinary questions one would expect, but it continued by discussing “the elephant in the room,” as one committee member put it. The interviewee was visually impaired; therefore, the committee was concerned he would not be able to perform the job. Tasks included writing, talking with people, and presenting information to various groups.

Not only was this young man experiencing the scrutiny of a traditional interview, his ability was being questioned in general because he would have to perform the tasks differently.

An additional challenge was placed in front of the young man, and he was forced to defend his ability to perform the job because he had special needs. Not only was this young man experiencing the scrutiny of a traditional interview, his ability was being questioned in general because he would have to perform the tasks differently.

Unfortunately, this does not seem to be an isolated incident. Employment is out of reach for most individuals with special needs. The Economic Picture of the Disability Community Project shows individuals with special needs have a difficult time finding employment.

Only 32% of those with special needs are employed.
Individuals with special needs are under-represented in 16 of the top 20 fastest growing occupations.
The same population is over-represented in 17 of the top 20 fastest declining occupations.
With a few exceptions, individuals with special needs are on the low end of the pay scale.

These are discouraging statistics. They reveal the majority struggle to find employment, while the small percentage who is employed lack opportunity for advancement. Individuals with special needs have much to offer in the business community; however, proper opportunities are not offered. Lack of opportunity is the result of many reasons.

6 Reasons Opportunity is Lacking for Special Needs People

Society assigns the “Disabled” Label.
A Stereotype Exists: No Need to Work. Some people believe that people with special needs do not need to work. It is believed employment is not necessary because the government will provide for these individuals. While assistance is available for those who must rely on it, employment is still a better option. That is, if the individual’s needs do not prevent him or her from working, which is the case in some situations.
Another Stereotype: Do Not Want to Work. Some people believe that individuals who have special needs do not want to work. This is not true. Just because someone has special needs does not mean the person is lazy. Individuals with special needs desire the opportunity to be employed like everyone else.
The full potential of hiring someone with special needs is not understood. The person’s skill set and unique gifts are being overshadowed by thoughts of accommodations and a general lack of knowledge.
Many disorders and diseases are misunderstood.
Employers do not understand that accommodations can be easily made. Every person’s need is different, but in many cases, businesses already have the technology and structure in place to make accommodations. All that is needed are a few adaptations to phones, computers, schedules, etc.

The Economic Picture of the Disability Community Project goes on to paint a less discouraging future. The employment opportunities for those with special needs can increase, but only if businesses and society as a whole allows it. Special needs awareness must increase. We must challenge businesses not to overlook individuals with special needs. You and I can take action by continuing this conversation to increase awareness and by issuing this challenge to businesses.

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Photo: Getty