The Pandemic's Impact on Workplace Inclusion: Lessons from the RVO Health Panel

A Zoom screenshot showing Disability Advocate Ryan Honick, and fellow RVO Health panelists, Alina Sharon, Ryan McKenna, Robin Hough, and Jessica Simon as part of a DEI in the workplace discussion.

Yesterday, as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, I had the distinct honor of joining a panel with the dynamic team from RVO Health. The topic? A subject close to my heart: diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in the workplace, especially in the light of the pandemic and its aftermath.

Firstly, I'd like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Alina Sharon, Ryan McKenna, Robin Hough, and Jess (Leavitt) Simon. The depth of our conversation, the insights shared, and the commitment to fostering an inclusive environment was truly commendable. It's not every day that you get to be part of such an enlightening discussion, and I am continually encouraged by the positive steps that RVO Health is taking.

I've seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with fostering an inclusive environment. The pandemic has only heightened the need for workplaces to be more adaptable, understanding, and inclusive. Jess (Leavitt) Simon captured this sentiment perfectly, stating, "We can't unring the bell of COVID. COVID completely disrupted and changed the way of work. The employers that are going to retain and attract the best talent are going to have to figure out how to do it differently." 

From my personal journey, I know the importance of conversations like these to deepen understanding and empathy and truly make a difference. True inclusivity begins as a cultural attitude and a commitment to continual dialogue about the needs and contributions of every employee. The pandemic brought to light the importance of mental health, flexibility, and the need for employers to be more understanding and accommodating.

RVO Health's commitment to these values is evident, and I am excited to see the strides they will make in the future. The panel discussion was a testament to the fact that when organizations and individuals come together with a shared vision, real change is possible.

To everyone who joined us for the panel, thank you for being part of this important conversation. Let's continue to push boundaries, challenge norms, and create workplaces where everyone feels valued and included.

Why Relaxed Dress Codes Can Be a Game-Changer for People with Disabilities

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) arrives for a vote at the U.S. Capitol May 1, 2023.

In light of the recent changes to the Senate's dress code, as detailed by Axios and Rolling Stone, it's essential to view this shift as more than just a fashion statement. This change, announced by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and reportedly inspired by Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, is a reflection of a reasonable accommodation for someone with a disability.

Sen. Fetterman, who has been candid about his struggles with depression, is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Changes to dress codes are considered a reasonable accommodation, and this should be seen as a progressive step for the disability community. Societal standards, often set by non-disabled neurotypical individuals, can be both physically and mentally taxing for those with disabilities. As someone with cerebral palsy and fine motor challenges, I can attest to the significant energy and mental effort required to don formal attire. My clothing choices are often a reflection of my energy levels, not my work ethic or capability.

Senator Susan Collins humorously threatened to wear a bikini to work in response to the relaxed dress code. Meanwhile, Senator Schumer officially altered the rules around appropriate attire, instructing the Sergeant at Arms to cease enforcing guidelines requiring business attire on the floor. This change allows lawmakers like Pennsylvania’s John Fetterman to embrace casual clothing without violating protocol. Fetterman's attire has been a part of his image throughout his political career. After taking a medical hiatus to seek treatment for clinical depression, he's chosen comfort over costume. This decision, though not directly referencing Fetterman, has irked some Republicans, leading to criticism of him.

In the disability community, we often use "spoons" as a metaphor to describe our energy consumption. It can take someone with a disability significantly more energy to accomplish the same tasks as our non-disabled counterparts. A strict dress code can be challenging for people with disabilities to maintain consistently. My personal experience of ditching formal wear for the office has resulted in increased energy that I can redirect toward my actual work. Being comfortable allows me to be more relaxed and focused. I applaud Senator Schumer for his recent decision and hope that those opposing this change can learn empathy.

Republicans Are Melting Down Over the Relaxed Senate Dress Code

Challenging Misconceptions: The Power of Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace

With her guide dog Paul at her side, Maya Larson signs with her boss Darlene Zangara, executive director of the Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing in St. Paul, Minn. (Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune/TNS)

Today I'm reflecting heavily on the importance of reasonable accommodations in the workplace. These are not preferences or luxuries, but necessities that level the playing field for disabled employees like myself. They are equalizers, not special treatments, and they are as diverse as the individuals who require them.

The process of disclosing a disability and requesting accommodations is fraught with challenges. It's not a step taken lightly. By the time an employee discloses a disability, they've likely exhausted all other options to adapt their work environment independently. As a wheelchair user living with Cerebral Palsy, a service dog handler to Canine Companions® Pico, and someone living with a visual impairment and chronic pain, I can attest to the discomfort and apprehension that comes with this disclosure.

The latest report from the Disability:IN and the Disability Equality Index for 2023 found that only 4-6% of employees openly disclose disability in the workplace, despite 97% of employers encouraging them to do so. This discrepancy could be due to misconceptions about disability and job performance, perceived barriers to upward mobility, or a general misunderstanding about disability overall by the employer.

As highlighted in a recent article on Disability Scoop, Occupational Therapist Elizabeth Duffy put it beautifully. "Duffy said employers can adjust to accommodate different ways of learning and absorbing information. That could include scheduling flexibility and making sure meetings aren’t the only way to deliver updates and announcements to staffers." This is a prime example of how simple accommodations can make a significant difference in an employee's ability to perform their job effectively.

However, the process of requesting and receiving accommodations can often feel adversarial, leaving employees feeling beaten down and less likely to seek further accommodations in the future. This is counterproductive, as it ultimately hampers job performance.

The future of work for disabled employees is promising, with industries expected to grow over the next decade, as highlighted in a recent Forbes article by Diane Winiarski. But this growth must be accompanied by a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. Employers must reassess their reasonable accommodation processes and strive for a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

Reasonable accommodations are not an attempt to "gamify" the system. They are a necessity for disabled employees to perform their jobs to the best of their ability. Let's continue to challenge misconceptions, promote understanding, and advocate for a more inclusive workplace.

With More Neurodivergent Workers, Employers Add Support

The ADA and Beyond: The Ongoing Fight for Workplace Inclusion

A wheelchair user seen from behind moves through her workplace.

Today, it's time to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of disabled individuals in the workplace. As a disability advocate, I've seen firsthand the barriers that disabled individuals face in their professional lives. But I've also witnessed the resilience, creativity, and determination that they bring to the table.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was a significant milestone, but 33 years later, we're still grappling with the complexities of 'reasonable accommodations' and the stigma associated with disclosing a disability. As my friend Emily Ladau recently told CNBC, "Even though workplaces can focus on creating a culture of inclusion, there's that internal barrier that people still struggle with, because the world is telling them that disability is shameful, that disability is wrong, that their existence is somehow a mistake."

This narrative is not only harmful but also fundamentally untrue. Disability is not a mistake or a weakness; it's a part of our identity that shapes our experiences and perspectives. It's time to shift this narrative and embrace disability as a strength.

Research shows that when employees with disabilities are given the opportunity to educate and connect with their co-workers, the number of people who disclose a disability and request accommodations increases. This is a testament to the power of open dialogue and the importance of creating safe spaces for disclosure.

Companies like PSEG have taken steps in the right direction by launching initiatives to encourage people with disabilities to bring their full selves to work. After their awareness campaign, the percentage of people who identified as disabled in their workplace tripled. This is a clear indication that when we create an environment of understanding and empathy, people feel more comfortable disclosing their disabilities.

As we move forward, let's remember Ladau's words: "When we shift that narrative and we begin to say, 'You can identify as having a disability. That is something that you can be proud of. That makes you who you are,' the number of people who identify in the workplace as disabled is going to grow."

Let's continue to challenge the status quo, advocate for reasonable accommodations, and celebrate the diverse experiences and perspectives that disabled individuals bring to the workplace.

From The Classroom To The Boardroom: A Journey of Disability Mental Health

A disabled wheelchair user sits with his hands covering his face in frustration.

As I reflect on Mental Health Awareness Month, I am reminded of the ongoing struggles that disabled people face daily. For those of us living with disabilities, the fight for equal rights and accommodations often feels like an uphill battle. From the classroom to the workplace, we're fighting for our right to exist as we are.

I've written previously about the lack of planning and forethought that goes into disabled people's evacuation plans in active shooter drills. To quote Emily Ladau in a recent HuffPost article, "Their emergency plan was really to not have an emergency plan. It really made me feel like they couldn't be bothered to protect me, and it was very much every person for themselves."

And the "Run, Hide, Fight" protocol advised by federal agencies provides little solace to disabled people who are often not able to do any of the above. Instead, more often than not, we're advised to wait. Wait and hope that we make it out alive simply because protocols for us don't exist.

I think of the long-term mental health impact that has had on me. That from a young age, society at large considers me disposable.

Then there's the workplace. A newly released report by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Job Accommodation Network found that nearly half of workplace accommodations made for people with disabilities can be implemented at no cost to employers. Workplace accommodations are often simple and easy to implement, and yet so many of us struggle due to red tape; unnecessary requests for medical documentation, disclosure of our disability and limitations to people who have no business knowing, and an often misguided belief that an accommodation makes things "unfair" simply because we're trying to level the playing field.

Within the federal government, switching agencies is advertised as a fairly seamless process. Everything follows you: sick and annual leave balances, health insurance, and your position on the General Schedule pay scale. However, any documentation pertaining to reasonable accommodations does not, which means switching jobs comes with the exhausting task of starting from scratch.

We know what we need to be successful. The mental health of employees everywhere would be much improved if employers learned to say "yes" instead of "prove it."

So, what do these two experiences have in common? They both demonstrate the unfortunate reality that disabled people are often left behind, fighting for our survival in myriad ways. As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, we must remember that the struggles faced by disabled people are directly linked to mental health.

To truly combat mental health stigma, we must first acknowledge the lived experiences of disabled people. It is essential to recognize that our battles are fought not only in the classrooms and workplaces but also in the broader social structures that often marginalize and dismiss our needs.

Is Long COVID Considered to Be a Disability in the Workplace?

Thank you Brandi Fowler and LinkedIn News for the opportunity to talk about the affects of Long Covid in the workplace and its impact on the disability community. These are important conversations and folks living with Long Covid should be aware of their rights under the ADA.

#WorkplaceCulture #ReasonableAccomodations #Covid #Disabilities #DisabilityRights #DisabilityAdvocate #Disability #LongCovid #LinkedinNews

https://lnkd.in/ev2vqFBv

Disability and Disclosure in the. Workplace

Ryan Honick wearing a sky blue dress shirt, red tie, glasses, and headphones presents via Zoom to members of MGMI about reasonable accommodations and disability disclosure in the workplace on 10.22.22

A huge thank you to Susan Woolner, Lisa Gigliotti, and everyone at the Michigan Chapter of Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Inc. for the opportunity to present this morning on navigating disability and reasonable accommodations in the workplace. An incredibly important conversation during #NDEAM and beyond.

Event Recap: Diversability Unplugged: Disability and Ableism in the Workplace

Event Recap: Diversability Unplugged: Disability and Ableism in the Workplace

Thank you to Tiffany A. Yu, MSc, Whitney Bailey, katherine lewis, Arielle Dance, PhD and the team at Diversability® for inviting me to speak on Disability and Ableism in the workplace for #ndeam. An evening of thought-provoking discussion and insights with powerhouse panelists Jacob Levy, Lusik Gasparyan, JD, RBT and Angela Fowler.

If you missed it, the recap and recording are now live!

Event Recap: Diversability Unplugged: Disability and Ableism in the Workplace

#workplace #hiring #disabilityAwareness #Disability #Ableism #disabilityInclusion #DEIA #DEI #ReasonableAccommodations