Recently I read a book about ableism, specifically about ableism in the church. It included a nugget of research that is truly startling.

The author noted a 2018 study by the disability equality organization SCOPE that found 67% of people were uncomfortable talking to someone with a disability. Let that sink in.  Two-thirds were afraid just to talk.

These past few years, I have been so frustrated that people on my caseload and others with disabilities often find it difficult to obtain employment – especially considering how very long ago (34 years!) the Americans with Disabilities Act became law.  I had thought perhaps these employment struggles were an anomaly. 

But alas, if people are uncomfortable speaking to those with disabilities, how in the world are they going to bring them onto their team, work with them on a daily basis, and make them a part of the team?  How are employees with disabilities going to move up from entry-level jobs if it means working with even more people who aren’t comfortable talking to them?

The answer I came up with is that people with disabilities, and their allies, may need to be starting the conversation.  One of the reasons I use humor so much in my day-to-day life is, well, to stay sane. But humor also is a tool to make people comfortable talking to me.  This is a residual effect of me feeling like an outcast and trying to put people at ease from the time I was a small child.  I suppose it’s also why I am not shy.  But you don’t necessarily have to use humor.  You just need to start talking.

I want to honor the job developers who assist people with disabilities in finding and keeping jobs.  They often start conversations with employers – who then realize the potential of a candidate they might otherwise have passed by. 

Denise Blackburn-Smith was born with cerebral palsy. She has been a service coordinator at the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities for 16 years.