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Diversity INCLUDES Disability

John G. Miers

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Diversity: What is it?

There are two dimensions to diversity: Primary: Those factors which cannot be

changed – age, race, ethnicity, gender, etc.

Secondary: Those factors which can be changed – education, geographic location, income, marital status, military experience, religious beliefs, parental status, etc.

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Diversity: Managing it

Managing Diversity is the process of creating and maintaining an environment that enables all participants to contribute to their full potential in pursuit of organizational objectives.

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Uniformity

Sometimes it can be good:

(Thank you, Herbert Hoover) Examples:

Cinder blocks Bricks Pipes 2 by 4’s

But….. Diversity adds SPICE to our existence

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Diversity

Diversity is Inclusive No one is left out

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Diversity includes Disability Disabilities can be primary or

secondary, too They may even be both Disabilities can be visible or

invisible; hidden or obvious

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Disability is Common:

54 million Americans – 1 in 5 – reported that they had some kind of disability

26 million Americans – 1 in 10 – reported that they had a severe disability

The likelihood of having a disability increases with age

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Disability is Diagonal:

It can happen: To anyone At any time In any manner Known or unknown

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There are 3 Types of Barriers to Inclusion: Structural/Architectural Communicative Attitudinal

This is the least expensive barrier, but the hardest to deal with

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Disability is Unique:

Disability is the only minority group that is constantly accepting new members!

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The Value of Diversity

A diverse workforce reflects the strength and breadth of the country

Each person has different priorities A diverse workforce will reflect all

of these priorities

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The Value of Diversity

Schooling, activities, education, occupations, and research interests will often reflect the personal priorities and experiences of the individual

Can you think of a situation where this is the case for you? For your family members?

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Diversity in Research

A person’s research interests often reflect their personal interests: Native Americans >> Diabetes African Americans >> Sickle Cell Parents >> Child Health Elderly persons >> Alzheimer’s Disease Deaf & Hard of Hearing >> Communications

The maximum diversity will lead to the most different sets of interests being studied

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What This Means

Having a diverse workforce is critically important

Disability must be fully represented

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Next Steps

Employment and training must be open to all

Relevant research must be undertaken

Extra steps must be taken: (Affirmative action is necessary)

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