Diversity INCLUDES Disability

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Diversity INCLUDES Disability

• John G. Miers

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Diversity What is it?

• There are two dimensions to diversity
• Primary Those factors which cannot be changed
  age, race, ethnicity, gender, etc.
• Secondary Those factors which can be changed
  education, geographic location, income, marital
  status, military experience, religious beliefs,
  parental status, etc.

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Diversity Managing it

• Managing Diversity is the process of creating and
  maintaining an environment that enables all
  participants to contribute to their full
  potential in pursuit of organizational objectives.

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Uniformity

• Sometimes it can be good
• (Thank you, Herbert Hoover)
• Examples
• Cinder blocks
• Bricks
• Pipes
• 2 by 4s
• But..
• Diversity adds SPICE to our existence

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Diversity

• Diversity is Inclusive
• No one is left out

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Diversity includes Disability

• Disabilities can be primary or secondary, too
• They may even be both
• Disabilities can be visible or invisible hidden
  or obvious

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Disability is Common

• 54 million Americans 1 in 5 reported that
  they had some kind of disability
• 26 million Americans 1 in 10 reported that
  they had a severe disability
• The likelihood of having a disability increases
  with age

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Disability is Diagonal

• It can happen
• To anyone
• At any time
• In any manner
• Known or unknown

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There are 3 Types of Barriers to Inclusion

• Structural/Architectural
• Communicative
• Attitudinal
• This is the least expensive barrier, but the
  hardest to deal with

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Disability is Unique

• Disability is the only minority group that is
  constantly accepting new members!

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The Value of Diversity

• A diverse workforce reflects the strength and
  breadth of the country
• Each person has different priorities
• A diverse workforce will reflect all of these
  priorities

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The Value of Diversity

• Schooling, activities, education, occupations,
  and research interests will often reflect the
  personal priorities and experiences of the
  individual
• Can you think of a situation where this is the
  case for you? For your family members?

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Diversity in Research

• A persons research interests often reflect their
  personal interests
• Native Americans gtgt Diabetes
• African Americans gtgt Sickle Cell
• Parents gtgt Child Health
• Elderly persons gtgt Alzheimers Disease
• Deaf Hard of Hearing gtgt Communications
• The maximum diversity will lead to the most
  different sets of interests being studied

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What This Means

• Having a diverse workforce is critically
  important
• Disability must be fully represented

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Next Steps

• Employment and training must be open to all
• Relevant research must be undertaken
• Extra steps must be taken (Affirmative action is
  necessary)

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