Things People Do Not Want to Say about Disabilities in the Workplace

Hello people, I’m Kirsten. Happy 30th anniversary to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990! I cannot believe how much progress we have made in this country to integrate people with disabilities into all aspects of our society.

Yet it would be incredibly unhelpful and unproductive not to acknowledge that we still have a far way to go. Professionals with disabilities like myself still frequently have difficulty integrating totally in the workplace for several reasons, and I hope this video can help spark some very necessary and direct conversations. Dialog leads to progress, which will create opportunities, which will result in the equality we all want. Sometimes I think the diversity and inclusion chats we have in the office miss the mark because they are not able to directly address some of these thoughts.

So these are my main points. First, the only assumption you should make about a colleague with disabilities is that the colleague has the professional qualifications to fill the role into which they were hired. Second, if you have questions and are worried about offending people, try to put your questions in context so the professional with a disability knows you are coming from a place of thoughtfulness rather than judgment. And third, always remember that perspective is everything. My colleagues with disabilities should respond with grace when asked if they need help, and my colleagues without disabilities need to understand that a disability can unknowingly affect even routine aspects of professional life without anyone else realizing.

This video goes into much more detail on each of these points, and I really hope you find it helpful. As always, leave a comment down below so we can continue this discussion. After all, that is my true goal with this video and I really hope you enjoy.

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[cookiez_yayayay]

Bravo Kirsten...great presentation! Kirsten has been thru it all, and knows what she is talking about!!! Kirsten has taught other blind individuals of all ages and she simply says”if I can do it, then you can do it! Now let’s get to work “
Kirsten is awesome; intelligent, self sufficient, and compassionate!
I hope everyone listens attentively there’s a lot of good stuff to learn!
Happy 30th anniversary?
Love you sweetie....GRAM

[markymark]

Toes are stepped on by many people. Whether you are disabled or not, whether real or perceived, feelings can be hurt. The office dynamic at some places can be quite complex, office politics are a bitch.

[Infernojoe]

You have always excelled in everything you’ve ever attempted! I am not at all surprised by your ascension in your workplace! People with disabilities are often vilified long before they are ever met, and that is unacceptable!

[ssalkind]

What an interesting and informative video - I learned a lot about talking to coworkers and navigating speaking up for myself. Also - thank you for allowing the captions, it makes it accessible for me!

[adelineteh]

Kristen you are so intelligent I can't link the intergram it's say it has been removed pls check thank you

[whitneypurdum]

Thank you for your honesty and authenticity. This is great!

[LiveAccessible]

Yes! I can't agree enough with this, especially please don't be surprised...

[IMSLES]

I am going to share this for all my friends to see. I think everyone, whether they have difficulties with interacting with those with disabilities or not will find your advice educational. You rock!

[gloriabiegay]

Kirsten, what program are you using that read and send your emails?

[teresaguerrero]

Hello Kirsten what an interesting and informative video when the things that I’ve learned it from listening to you speak is that going to speak up and to ask for help when it’s needed to get out of my comfort zone. In the workplace. I was wondering if you could do more videos about the workplace?