Article

International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Disability Inclusion in the Workplace

03 Dec,2022 - Yangon | 2 mins read

Author: Myo Min Htet, Business Sustainability Officer at ATOM

People with disabilities make up 4.6 percent of Myanmar’s population and that is an untapped source of talent and skills. This presents organizations with an opportunity to formulate a targeted inclusion strategy to attract workers with disabilities, which is especially important in today’s highly competitive labour market.

In conjunction with International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is observed annually across the globe on 3 December, I would like to share how an inclusive workplace offers employees with disabilities — whether visible or invisible — an equal opportunity to learn and advance, to be compensated fairly, and to succeed.

Untapped Potential

If given the right opportunity and resources, people with disabilities are just as productive as any other employee. In addition to offering creativity, innovation and varied perspectives, employees with disabilities can shed light on unique insights pertaining to customers who find themselves in similar circumstances, allowing companies to better tailor products to meet their needs. Besides, hiring people with disabilities reflects the company’s commitment to the community and its efforts in building an inclusive workforce.

Disability Inclusion in the Workplace

In order to foster an inclusive and accessible work environment for employees with disabilities, employers need to first ensure that products, environments, communication, operational systems, and services created are welcoming, usable, and meet everyone’s needs regardless of their age, size, ability, or disability.

Organizations should consider barrier-free and accessible work environments for different types of disabilities, such as ramps for wheelchair users and braille on door buttons for the visually impaired. Office accessibility tools such as height-adjustable desks and screen reader software should also be provided.

With an inclusive workplace culture and the right support, employees with disabilities will be able to work with ease and contribute to the organisation just as any other employee. At ATOM, all employees, including those with disabilities, are provided with the same opportunities and access to resources, which allow us to perform to our best abilities. We are also empowered to share about disability awareness with colleagues.

Work Capacity Assessment

Employers should place people with disabilities in roles which match their capacities, characteristics and health-condition specific needs. For example, tasks which do not require frequent movement from place to place would be more suitable for those who face mobility or visual impairment. For persons with intellectual difficulty, they can be assigned less complex tasks that do not require decision-making skills.

Employers should discuss with employees regarding their needs and identify the necessary support, for example, assistive equipment or tools, flexible working hours, or training to build up their skills.

Final Thoughts

I am proud to be given the opportunity to work in an inclusive work environment at ATOM, as part of the Business Sustainability Department. It is my hope that more people with disabilities in Myanmar will be given the same opportunities to contribute to society in various capacities. After all, persons with disabilities also have a fair right to economic security.

In many countries, governments are providing incentives to organisations to embrace employment of persons with disabilities as part of talent strategy, and I hope that similar laws and policies will be implemented in Myanmar in the near future.