WHO Europe, Dec. 3, 2020: Building back better: people with disabilities in the workforce
Ayse is a social worker in Holbæk Kommune, Denmark, who works to support people with disabilities. As someone with a hearing impairment, Ayse has a disability herself and sometimes utilizes an interpreter in her role – bringing a unique perspective to her work.
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When asked
about workplace environments, employment challenges and standards of
inclusivity for people with disabilities, she explains: “I have
struggled a bit applying for jobs, it has been a difficult process for
me and I know other people with disabilities who have the same
problems”.
“For instance, I struggled to get a job as a social
worker for 7 months. I went to several job interviews and they thought I
was qualified for the job, but they had a hard time accepting my
disability because I come with a personal assistant – a sign-language
interpreter. They believed having an interpreter at the workplace would
be a challenge. This is a result of a lack of knowledge among employers
about my disability.
“In reality, it’s not a problem to employ a person with a disability. In Denmark we have compensation measures that ensure employers will not face any extra expense in employing someone like myself who has a disability. For example, I get 20 hours of interpretation a week paid by the government to support my work.
“No matter someone’s disability, communities have to provide the best possible conditions for us to enter a workplace. Workplaces and colleagues should have the right knowledge about the barriers we face to be prepared to welcome us, as well as checking on how we are coping in a new role.”
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