Lessons Learned
Employers should lead the organisation.An organisation for employers must be owned and led by employers who create a platform from which to engage with disabled people’s organisations and other stakeholders. The forum must position employers as its key customers and then offer the employer relevant services and toolkits which make it easier for these employers to get it right.
Bringing business leaders and disabled people together is important. An employers’ network like the Business Disability Forum can only challenge deep rooted misconceptions regarding disability by bringing business leaders together with disabled people, be they disabled opinion leaders, politicians, experts, advisors, entrepreneurs, advocates, graduates, colleagues, customers, shareholders or job seekers. This face to face contact, reinforced by the message that employers should treat disabled people fairly – and employ them on the basis of capability – is crucial. The problem solving skills of both business and persons with disabilities can also generate creative solutions that may well bypass the traditional way things are done.
Establish a clear role. the group realised that it should establish a clear role that is separate from the role of the agencies that help disabled people to find work or who advocate on their behalf. the Business Disability Forum does not provide services to disabled people directly; it loses its capacity to influence its employer members if it is seen to be part of the traditional disability services field. the networks job is to make it easier for employers to say ‘Yes’ when approached by disabled job seekers for work opportunities and to create new more productive partnerships with services that promote economic and social inclusion.
Use the language that business understands and recognises. It is important to watch the jargon and avoid terms and tone that reinforces the view that ‘disability’ is ‘owned’ by government, doctors or charities. Developing value added services requires resources. According to the Business Disability Forum experiences, it is key to have the resources to employ a small team who then to energise, communicate, and deliver a package of messages, services and innovation – which provide added value to the business community.
Read more about this topic: Employers' Forum On Disability
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