The Tipping Point in Disability & Business

After reading Malcom Gladwell's book "The Tipping Point" I have been left by pondering the question when will society realize the critical nature that the disability community plays throughout the business world? Why has there been such a lapse in judgementto acknowledge this very important facet of society? We are slowly beginning to see diversity groups look at the areas of disability in a new way. However, I do believe we are close to being at what Gladwell describes as a Tipping Point when it pertains to disability and business. Over the past few weeks alone I have come across several articles in the mainstream press from the Wall Street Journal to the New York Times discussing disability issues ranging from hiring practices to the recent surge on pop culture with such figures as Comic Josh Blue.

With the new greay dawn upon us we are at point in our human history that wecan no longer absolve ourselves from the disability community. Disability is not just a political, health or even social issue - it is a HUMAN issue! Even with this being said I think that business plays a crucial role in the evolution of the role that disability plays within our society. The reason for this is very clear- by looking at disability through the context of business & capitalism we can a greater appreciation of the need for acceptance. That statement maybe a looked at with a bit of concern but let me elaborate. Business can create new opportunities in the development of products and services but at the same time inorder for a corporation to continue to run smoothley human capital is essential.This is a critical time due to an aging workforce & 69% of people want to work passed the age of 65 in the US alone. That being said we as a society need to look at the disability community as a model to understand certain accessibility issues but also see there value with the human caputal marketplace. By utilizing this foundation it provides business new opportunities to develop products & services that will enhance the lives of people with disabilities & be good for business. I do believe the "Tipping Point" is upon us it is only a matter of time!

Pop Culture, Disability & The Future...

This week the NY Times published an artitle titled "Clearly, Frankly, Unabashedly Disabled" which discusses how disability is suddendly becoming more visible in the media. Starting with Josh Blue, the comedian with cerebral palsy who recently one NBC's Last Coming Standing to shows like The Amazing Race & Dancing With Stars which had contenstants with disabilities have unveiled many of the stigmas that have faced people with disabilities. The idea that are seen as tragic or triumphant characters rather than just being seen as a person who happens to have a disability. In my own estimation the NY Times article is on target in the sense that mass media such as television is critical in redefining how we precieve those with disabilities. Pop culture provides an accessibility to those with disabilities to the non disabled world. While the disability community hovers at around 20% of the total population that fear of 'otherness' still lingers. Popular culture somehow provides creedence to this community and wipes out the fear of the unknown & draws awareness. We the disability community NEED pop culture to provide a path in which we as a community can communicate to the rest of society providing a glimpse that the diversity of life is ok...

As we move foward it is critical to use outlets of pop culture as a canvas to express ideas of disability. It serves the purpose of creating better understanding BUT just as important as people join our community it can be a bridge by which people will feel less fear or awkwardness in dealing with or living with a disability. The importance is to know that they are not alone BUT part of a larger community that can thrive if given the means.

Business, Fear & The Question of Disability

I have been thinking about the question of disability as it relates to the structure of American business over the past several months. The first question that comes to mind is why have corporations been dragging there feet for so long. I think that this is a complicated answer yet at the same time the answer is very simple - FEAR!!! Corporations are fearful of people with disabilities as viable employees. While they may not say this outright & infact probably don't want to think this way I do believe that there is a deep seeded fear that is pervasive in the corporate culture. Now, the first question is why? To answer this you simply have to say that the fear stems from areas of ones preconcieved notion that a person with a disability can't do the job or that the company will get sued under the auspices of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Infact, who really knows? But I think it is high time for companies to ask the qustion why is this often hard to do. When you look a this massive age wave & a growing disability community these questions are staring us firmly in the face. The question of invincibility - infact that is not the case, however, it does not mean that we can't lead productive lives. Hmm...makes you think?