Think Beyond The Label

Have you seen the awareness campaign ad for Think Beyond The Label?  Equally humorous and pointed, this rightfully challenges the reasons why employers might hesitate to hire people with disabilities and points out that we all have our own strengths and weaknesses.

http://www.youtube.com/thinkbeyondthelabel

The educational presentation at today’s Washington State Business Leadership Network meeting was on Stigma – the negative connotations assigned to characteristics of people that are outside of the norm.  I was blown away at how easy it is to fall into using stigmas and language that support them.

People First language, please, at all times!

I recently joined the WSBLN – a local and regional group of concerned employers promoting hiring folks with disabilities. While I am not in the position to hire, I firmly support the notion and hope that some of these large employers take notice of a person in their midst who is not only employed but owns a business.  Yes, folks, it can be done and many are doing it, quietly, in the background.  People with disabilities are competent and capable of contributing to society in full and rich ways.  (And, Studio Pacifica’s name is on their website.  Cool, huh!)

http://www.wsbln.org/sponsors.htm