National Council of Jewish Women/Cleveland members know the importance of inclusivity in the workplace. Photo Courtesy of NCJW/CLE
Building an inclusive workplace for success
By Cindy Glazer – Guest columnist, cleveland.com
From Cleveland.com – OPINION
Guest columnist Cindy Glazer is chair of NCJW/CLE’s LiveSpecial.com. She serves on the board of directors and on several other committees. Cindy, a retired special educator, is passionate about equity and inclusion. To know more about LiveSpecial.com, check out our website, which offers a video spectrum of information and resources.Instead, I found a new way to continue that mission: through volunteering with the National Council of Jewish Women/Cleveland (NCJW/CLE).
LiveSpecial.com is more than just a website; it’s a dedication to empowerment. The website simplifies the process of finding qualified service providers, offers free educational programming and publishes an annual magazine filled with valuable information and resources.
Most importantly, it is a driving force for creating an inclusive community where everyone can fully participate.
Many of us see individuals with disabilities working in our offices, stores and restaurants. What we don’t always see are the many more individuals with invisible disabilities and those working behind the scenes.
The key to successful employment for individuals with disabilities isn’t charity; it’s opportunity. These employees are often among the most dedicated, reliable and hardworking members of a team.
Most importantly, it is a driving force for creating an inclusive community where everyone can fully participate.
Many of us see individuals with disabilities working in our offices, stores and restaurants. What we don’t always see are the many more individuals with invisible disabilities and those working behind the scenes.
The key to successful employment for individuals with disabilities isn’t charity; it’s opportunity. These employees are often among the most dedicated, reliable and hardworking members of a team.
If you’re an employer, here are four simple but powerful ways to set up a new employee with special needs for success:
Seek guidance
Before a new employee starts, consult an expert, mentor or even a family member to better understand how to create a supportive, inclusive workplace.
A small adjustment, like providing written instructions or structuring tasks clearly, can make a big difference. Disability awareness training can also help your team interact in a judgment-free, supportive way.
A small adjustment, like providing written instructions or structuring tasks clearly, can make a big difference. Disability awareness training can also help your team interact in a judgment-free, supportive way.
I signed on 14 years ago to help develop LiveSpecial.com, a signature project of NCJW/CLE that serves individuals with disabilities and their families in meaningful ways.After more than 30 years as a special educator and consultant, my desire for fostering acceptance and inclusion didn’t end when I left the classroom.
